Pakistan’s fuel supply chain is showing acute signs of strain as a combination of critically low petrol inventories, delayed imports, unresolved financial claims, and escalating Middle East tensions threaten to push the country toward another energy crisis . Industry officials have warned that motor gasoline stocks have dropped to approximately 379,442 tonnes, sufficient for only 14 days of consumption based on current demand trends . The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has issued a red alert to the federal government, cautioning that upcountry areas face the highest risk of supply disruptions.
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The supply outlook has been further aggravated by a sharp spike in consumer demand, with petrol sales during the first 13 days of July averaging 25,000 tonnes per day—nearly 16% above projections and 26% higher than the same period last year . Officials attribute this surge to expectations of another petroleum price hike, prompting consumers and dealers to accelerate purchases . The situation is compounded by disruptions in planned imports, including one cancelled cargo that was scheduled for June and another involving four oil marketing companies (OMCs) that was reportedly abandoned .
