The motorists and commuters had to face serious problems in the provincial metropolis due to shortage of petroleum products here on Wednesday, as oil marketing companies halted fuel supply due to a possible increase in petroleum price in a couple of days.
In some areas, sources disclosed, petrol pump owners closed sales of petroleum products to make windfall profits that caused great inconvenience for motorists due to artificial fuel shortage. Thin public transport further aggravated the situation due to CNG load-shedding.
Petrol pump owners claim that oil marketing companies have stopped fuel supply despite getting advance payments from them. They allege that marketing companies are responsible for fuel crisis as officials of these companies demand equal share in windfall profits.
All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Senior Vice President Captain (R) Shuja Anwar said that retailers were not responsible for hoarding the petrol.
“Some elements are creating panic among public for their self-interests. OGRA must take serious notice against hoarders because there is no petrol available in the open market.”
Meanwhile, few petrol pumps and agencies were witnessed selling petrol at inflated price of up to Rs110 per litre against the actual price of Rs98.01 per litre.