ISLAMABAD: The oil industry has sought the intervention of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) after local administrations in several districts began sealing retail fuel stations that temporarily ran out of stocks amid panic buying triggered by regional tensions.
In a letter sent on Monday, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), representing major oil marketing companies, said an unusual surge in fuel demand in recent days had pushed retail sales volumes to nearly double normal levels in some areas.
The industry body said the sudden spike in demand is being driven largely by panic buying linked to prevailing regional uncertainties, which has temporarily strained the country’s fuel retail network.
Oil marketing companies (OMCs), according to the OCAC, have increased fuel dispatches significantly and are continuously sending tanker deliveries to replenish retail outlets. However, the abnormal demand has caused temporary stock depletion at certain stations while they await fresh supplies.
Despite the ongoing replenishment efforts, OCAC said it had received reports that local administrations in some districts have started sealing petrol pumps that run out of fuel, a move the industry believes could further disrupt the supply chain.
The council warned that sealing outlets under such circumstances is counterproductive, as it delays the reopening of stations even after fuel supplies arrive.“Such actions delay the resumption of sales upon replenishment, create operational complications for OMCs and may inadvertently intensify public anxiety and panic buying,” the council said in its communication to the regulator.
The OCAC has requested Ogra to issue guidance to provincial and district administrations, advising them not to seal retail stations solely due to temporary stock depletion when fuel deliveries are already in transit.
The industry body said timely regulatory intervention would help maintain the smooth functioning of the country’s fuel retail network and ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to consumers.Oil companies have assured the regulator that they remain committed to maintaining continuous fuel availability across the country despite the surge in demand.
