Pakistani Petrol Becomes Cheaper Than Smuggled Iranian Fuel in Quetta, Yet Iranian Petrol Still Sold at Higher Prices

Quetta: An unusual situation has emerged in Quetta and surrounding areas following the recent reduction in petroleum prices, with legally available Pakistani petrol now selling at a lower price than illegally traded Iranian petrol.

According to reports, after the federal government’s latest fuel price cut, the price of Pakistani petrol has fallen by around Rs74 per litre and is now available at approximately Rs299 per litre at fuel stations across the city.

In contrast, Iranian petrol being sold in the open market continues to fetch as much as Rs330 per litre, despite its traditionally lower price compared to locally available fuel.

Residents say the situation is both surprising and concerning. In the past, many consumers preferred Iranian petrol because it was cheaper than Pakistani fuel. However, despite Pakistani petrol now being more affordable, sellers of Iranian petrol have not reduced their rates and continue charging what citizens describe as excessive prices.

Public circles argue that market forces should have led to a corresponding decrease in Iranian petrol prices following the nationwide reduction in fuel costs. Instead, they allege that profiteers are maintaining artificially high rates and exploiting consumers.

Citizens have also expressed concerns about possible artificial shortages and price manipulation, claiming that the benefits of government-announced fuel price reductions are not reaching ordinary consumers.

Social and public groups have termed the situation an example of administrative negligence and questioned the lack of action by relevant authorities. They have urged the Deputy Commissioner Quetta, district administration, the Department of Industries and Commerce, and price control authorities to take immediate notice of alleged profiteering and the sale of illegal fuel at inflated prices.

Residents have demanded strict legal action against those involved and called for effective measures to ensure that consumers receive the full benefit of lower fuel prices through access to affordable and quality fuel. They warned that if authorities fail to act promptly, profiteering practices could become even more widespread, placing a greater financial burden on the public.