Sindh, Punjab Fuel Crisis Looms: 800 Tankers Stuck

A massive disruption in fuel supply is unfolding across Pakistan as over 800 oil tankers remain stranded due to escalating protests, triggering fears of a looming fuel shortage in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. The crisis has already started affecting fuel distribution networks, with long queues reported at petrol pumps in key urban centers.

• 800+ oil tankers blocked due to nationwide protests

• The fuel supply was severely impacted in Sindh and Punjab

• Petrol pumps running dry in several cities

• Fuel companies warn of imminent crisis if situation persists

• The government urged to intervene to clear supply routes

• Protests linked to the transport union and local grievances

Protesters, including members of transport unions and local communities, have taken to the roads demanding government attention to a mix of economic, political, and labor-related issues. These demonstrations have turned into full-fledged blockades on key fuel transportation routes, particularly on highways leading to and from oil depots.

• The Karachi-Hyderabad Superhighway, a primary route for fuel supply to the interior of Sindh and Punjab, is among the worst affected.

• Tanker drivers are reportedly stuck for over 48 hours, unable to deliver fuel to their intended destinations.

• SUPARCO's logistics team also confirmed a major halt in delivery due to security concerns in protest-hit areas.

In cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, and Multan, petrol pump owners are already experiencing stockouts. Long queues of motorbikes, cars, and even public transport vehicles were seen at fuel stations from early morning on Thursday.

• In Karachi, 30% of fuel stations have already shut down.

• Lahore’s inner city areas are facing shortages, pushing commuters to seek alternate travel options.

• Motorists reported waiting for over an hour to get just a few liters of petrol.

• Black market fuel prices have begun to rise, creating an additional burden on daily wage earners and transporters.

Mohammad Haris, a petrol station manager in Hyderabad, said:

“We’ve received no supply since yesterday. Our reserves are nearly empty. If this continues another day, we’ll have to shut down.”

Sadia Khan, a commuter in Lahore, added:

“I missed my office today because there was no fuel. The government must act before the situation worsens.”

Major oil marketing companies, including PSO (Pakistan State Oil), Shell Pakistan, and Attock Petroleum, have raised concerns about depleting reserves and warned of a country-wide supply chain breakdown.

In a joint statement, the companies said:

“If the current blockade is not resolved within the next 48 hours, Pakistan may face a full-scale fuel supply crisis, affecting not just consumers but also emergency services, hospitals, and industrial units.”

Fuel shortages don’t just affect motorists. The broader economic implications are dire:

• Public transport services are scaling down due to a lack of fuel.

• Agricultural machinery, especially in Punjab’s rural belt, is heavily reliant on diesel during harvest season.

• Industrial units in Faisalabad and Sialkot have raised red flags over potential delays and shutdowns.

• Logistic companies are suffering delayed deliveries, affecting the supply chains of FMCG, medicine, and groceries.

The federal and provincial governments have acknowledged the situation but concrete action is still lacking. Sindh’s Transport Minister held an emergency press conference stating:

“We are in talks with transport unions and law enforcement. A solution will be reached soon. Citizens are urged not to panic.”

However, no official timeline has been given to resume fuel movement.

The National Highway & Motorway Police (NHMP) have deployed additional personnel, but sources claim they are unable to control multiple blockades simultaneously.

The stranding of over 800 oil tankers amid protests has thrown Pakistan into a potential fuel crisis that could cripple daily life in Sindh and Punjab. The government must act swiftly to prevent economic paralysis and public panic.