Lahore: The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA), representing approximately 15,000 fuel stations, has issued a warning of a potential national shutdown if pressing concerns are not addressed amidst an ongoing energy shortage in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, sent on Wednesday, highlighted the sector's challenges such as operational, financial, and pricing issues. The APPPOA's vice chairman emphasized the sudden changes imposed by force majeure, urging for stakeholder involvement in decision-making related to the petroleum sector. Nouman Ali Butt, the vice chairman, requested a meeting with the minister to discuss issues affecting nearly 14,000-15,000 fuel station owners, stating that immediate attention is crucial.
Butt warned that if their concerns remain unaddressed, the association would be forced to cease operations, potentially triggering another fuel crisis in Pakistan. He stressed that the responsibility for such a crisis would lie with the petroleum minister and the Petroleum Division.
In 2024, Pakistan sourced 81% of its fuel from Gulf countries, as reported by The New York Times. However, the country has rapidly adopted solar power in recent years, providing some resilience against energy disruptions.
For almost a month, the US and Israel have conducted air offensives on Iran, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including the death of the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, as well as on Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets, leading to casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil passage through which about 20 million barrels of oil usually flow daily, has been effectively disrupted since early March. This disruption has increased shipping costs and elevated global oil prices.