ISLAMABAD: Petroleum dealers have urged consumers to avoid panic buying, warning that excessive fuel purchases could create artificial shortages and disrupt market stability, even as talks between Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the government over reducing the petroleum levy remain inconclusive.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh told reporters on Friday that the balance between fuel supply and demand had been maintained through coordination among the government, industry and consumers.
He said the recent closure of the Iran border had put the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market under pressure, but maintained that the country’s petrol supply situation remained under control.
Baksh stressed that consumers also had a responsibility to prevent unnecessary shortages, noting that long queues of cars and motorcycles at petrol stations could create artificial supply disruptions in certain areas.
Recalling similar concerns during the US invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, he said rumours of fuel shortages had triggered brief panic at the time, but petrol and diesel had remained available across the country.
He added that domestic refineries were operational and Pakistan continued to import crude oil and petroleum products from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. However, he acknowledged that high prices remained a concern.
According to oil industry estimates, Pakistan’s diesel demand is expected to reach approximately 750,000 tonnes in November 2026, driven largely by seasonal agricultural requirements. Local refineries supply around 70 per cent of domestic diesel demand, although most of the crude oil processed by them is imported.
Petrol demand is projected at approximately 630,000 tonnes next month, with domestic production meeting around 30 per cent of national consumption.
Industry sources said high fuel prices and the off-peak travel season were likely to keep petroleum consumption subdued in November.
The dealers’ appeal comes amid concerns over regional developments, fuel affordability and the potential impact of supply disruptions on Pakistan’s energy market. They emphasised that avoiding unnecessary purchases would help maintain normal distribution and prevent temporary shortages at petrol stations.
Story by Kalbe Ali
