Customs and FIA Inspections Cause Petrol Supply Issues in Punjab and Lahore

Concerns regarding a potential petrol shortage are growing across the entire Pencap province and in major cities, particularly in Lahore. The primary reason for this concern is the disruption in fuel supply caused by sudden inspections and raids on major oil depots by Customs and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) teams. According to sector sources, numerous oil storage facilities across Pencap were inspected simultaneously, and stocks were being verified. This intensive control process has delayed the departure of oil tankers from the depots, preventing fuel products from reaching stations on time.

Due to the delays caused by these inspections, it was reported that many petrol stations did not receive their scheduled fuel deliveries on Friday. The most visible effects of the situation are seen in Lahore, where it is stated that many stations are operating with barely enough stock to get through the day, and if deliveries do not return to normal quickly, supply issues could deepen. The severity of the situation has escalated particularly at the Mahmood Kot and Gatti oil depots; although these centers arrange over 150 tanker trips daily, not a single tanker has been dispatched since the morning hours as long as the inspections continue.

Not only the inspections but also a decision made by station owners regarding market conditions has complicated the situation. Petrol station operators stated that many station owners placed orders for much smaller quantities of fuel than usual due to expectations of a possible petrol price reduction. The low stocks kept as a precaution previously, combined with the disruption in tanker movements, have severely squeezed fuel availability at many dealerships, making it difficult to meet demand.

Market observers and sector sources, in their warnings regarding the issue, emphasize that if the delays persist, drivers in Lahore and other regions of Pencap may face significant temporary difficulties in procuring fuel. Authorities are urged to take the necessary steps to complete inspection activities as soon as possible and restore fuel transportation to normal. The current issue stems from a disruption in the logistics process ensuring stocks reach stations from depots, rather than an inadequacy of the country's total oil stocks.

Although no official statement has been made by the competent authorities regarding the issue, consumers are warned to avoid panic buying. An unnecessary increase in demand would place additional pressure on the already strained supply chain, making the situation even more dire. Sector experts, however, believe that fuel supply will return to normal shortly and market stability will be restored once the inspections are completed and tanker operations resume.