A hike of 45 percent in transportation charges of the oil tankers, as approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) after a prolonged strike from All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association (APOTOA) in Karachi, is sure to fall heavily on the citizens. The hike in fares will further jack up the petroleum prices in the country ranging from 10 paisas to 2 rupees per litre, as the increase will also be passed on to the consumers in the next month’s petroleum prices in addition to the new prices set by OGRA, sources told Pakistan Today
After the proposed 45 percent increase, the consumers in Karachi will be paying around 10 paisas more while the price at upcountry outlets will be raised according to the distance, with the maximum rise in petrol price likely to be around Rs 2 per litre. The subsequent increase will also be made in the prices of diesel, kerosene and other petroleum products. Apart from the fuel prices, the prices of all commodities, public transport fares, etc are also likely to go up; adding to the woes of the poverty-hit people.
Talking with Pakistan Today, Petroleum Dealers Association’s Abdul Sami said that the 45 percent increase in transportation charges of oil tankers will definitely affect the petroleum prices next month. “The exact price adjustment after the hike in freight rate is not yet confirmed, as the notification against the demands of APOTOA has not been issued by OGRA,” he added. He confirmed that the petrol pumps are now being supplied with fuels but due to the oil tankers’ strike and some disturbance, there was a shortage at a few stations on Thursday.
“Due to lack of security and proper management, the existing stocks at various pumping stations were also not provided to the people in Karachi on Wednesday,” said Sami. Late on Wednesday night, the APOTOA had called off its strike after getting an assurance that 45 percent increase in transport fares would be allowed through an OGRA notification. Three days of oil tankers’ strike had severely affected the routine at petrol pumps, power generating plants, NATO forces in Afghanistan and other important installations across the country.
Owing to the halt in supply of POL products to Karachi, vehicle owners faced great difficulties and routine life was disturbed not only on Wednesday but also on Thursday, as many petrol pumps could not be supplied the fuel. Both the oil tankers’ and the contractors’ associations called off their strike after negotiations with the Sindh governor, who assured them that their problems would be addressed. Later, a notification was issued allowing the oil tankers’ owners to increase transportation fares by 45 percent.
According to the sources, APOTOA had demanded that either the freight rate be increased by 60 percent increase or the latest petroleum price hike be withdrawn. Discontinuing the supplies to petrol pumps; grid stations, ships, aircraft, etc, the association had stated that a large increase in prices of petroleum products, especially diesel, had made it impossible for the operators of oil tankers to continue with their business.
