Fuel retailers in Pakistan have expressed concern over reported supply management practices by some oil marketing companies, warning that restrictions, quota controls, or order cancellations could create pressure in the domestic petroleum distribution system.
The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) has approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging federal authorities to monitor the situation and ensure uninterrupted petroleum product availability across retail outlets.
According to the association, certain oil marketing companies are allegedly limiting fuel dispatch volumes to petrol pumps and, in some cases, cancelling previously confirmed supply orders. Dealers fear that such practices may disturb normal market operations and create uncertainty for transport and commercial activities.
Vice Chairman of APPDA Noman Butt said that petrol pumps in various regions have reported reduced supply allocations. He warned that continued supply tightening could lead to operational difficulties for retail fuel stations.
The association acknowledged that global energy markets are currently influenced by geopolitical developments, including security sensitivities in the Gulf region and shipping uncertainties around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors.
However, APPDA emphasized that any domestic supply adjustment policy should be implemented through stakeholder consultation to avoid market imbalance and potential artificial scarcity.
Pakistan imports a major portion of its petroleum requirements through international trade channels, making global maritime stability and energy market conditions critical for local fuel supply continuity.
Energy sector observers suggest that maintaining transparent coordination among regulators, oil marketing companies, and downstream distributors is essential to ensure smooth petroleum product flow and consumer market stability.
OMCs have not yet responded publicly to the association’s letter.
