ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fuel supply chain faces a fresh threat as the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned of a nationwide shutdown if its demands are not addressed, escalating pressure on the government amid rising energy uncertainty.
In a formal letter to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, APPPOA Vice Chairman Nouman Ali Butt highlighted severe operational and financial challenges confronting petrol pump owners. He said issues related to pricing, cash flow and unexpected disruptions are making business increasingly unsustainable.
The association said it had previously raised these concerns earlier this month but received no response, prompting the latest warning. It has demanded immediate engagement with policymakers and inclusion of industry stakeholders in decisions affecting the petroleum sector.
Representing nearly 15000 petrol pump operators nationwide, the association stressed that continued neglect could force owners to halt operations. Such a move, it cautioned, would disrupt fuel availability and potentially trigger a nationwide energy crisis.
The warning comes at a time when global oil market volatility, driven by Middle East tensions, has already pushed domestic fuel prices sharply higher. Despite assurances from officials about stable supply and secured cargoes, industry players remain uneasy over policy direction.
While expressing willingness for dialogue, the association made it clear that responsibility for any disruption would rest with authorities if timely action is not taken. The development adds a new layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s fuel landscape at a critical moment for energy management.
