The petrol pumps have started creating artificial shortage of petrol and diesel in Punjab and other parts of the country following a summary of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) sent to the Finance Ministry for a possible increase of petroleum prices from April 1, market sources said on Monday.
Sources claimed petrol and diesel were short at petrol stations throughout Punjab since Sunday night, but now the petrol stations of Caltex and Shell companies have also started telling consumers that they don’t have enough petrol because of the shortage from the companies.
When oil companies were contacted they said that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel and any other petroleum products in the country. They said the petrol stations may be storing the petroleum products to sell on higher rates from April 1.
A source in the PSO said there is no complaint of any shortage of petroleum products at any outlet of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in Karachi or any other part of the country. The source said the issue of Oil Tanker Association strike was resolved on Saturday night.
Two days ago, OGRA sent a summary to finance ministry suggesting Rs 2.10-3.50/litre increase in petroleum prices.
The finance ministry has said that a consistent increase in Arab light crude oil is being witnessed and if it continues, the government will raise the petroleum prices by five per cent in April. The petrol prices will be increased by Rs 2.10/litre, high-octane by Rs 3.48, high-speed diesel Rs 2.27, kerosene oil Rs 3.8, while price of light diesel will be increased by Rs 2.38 /litre. However, the government can also reduce the GST to maintain the old prices.
Earlier, the government reduced the petrol price by Rs 8 per litre. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also approved reduction of Rs 4.5 per litre in the price of diesel. The price of high octane was slashed by Rs 3 per litre while the PM rejected the recommendation to reduce the price of kerosene oil.