The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has raised serious concerns over what it calls deliberate fuel supply manipulation by oil marketing companies (OMCs), despite clear directives from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

According to PPDA Senior Vice Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh, several OMCs are intentionally delaying fuel deliveries to petrol pumps, anticipating a potential hike in petroleum prices due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. He asserted that this behavior is not only unjustified but also violates regulatory obligations.

OMCs are legally required by OGRA to maintain at least a 20-day fuel reserve under their operating licenses. Malik Khuda Bakhsh noted that current national reserves are sufficient to meet this threshold, and thus, any supply constraints are artificial and aimed at market manipulation.

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He appealed to both the government and OGRA to take immediate action against these practices, warning that such engineered shortages could lead to public distress and a loss of confidence in regulatory authorities.

Reassuring citizens, the PPDA stressed there is no actual fuel shortage at present. However, they urged OGRA to enforce strict oversight and ensure seamless supply to consumers to prevent disruption during this sensitive period.