US-Iran Conflict Creates New Casualties; Muslim Nation Declares Emergency
Pakistan is gripped by serious concerns over an acute fuel shortage, with long queues of fuel tanker trucks observed lining up at various filling depots across the country. This situation has emerged as the government continues attempting to allay public fears regarding potential domestic energy price surges.
The Middle East conflict is affecting Pakistan’s fuel stocks. Dozens of fuel tanker trucks responsible for supplying petrol throughout Pakistan have been observed parked along roadsides at depots near Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, which is Pakistan’s most densely populated province.
“There has been no petrol at the depot for the last four days,” said Abdul Shakoor, a tanker truck driver, to Agence France-Presse. Shakoor added that this supply disruption is closely linked to border tightening measures by neighbouring countries amid escalating conflict. The war between the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted global shipping routes and damaged various oil and gas facilities in the Middle East.
“Iran has closed the border from their side. The depot is currently empty,” he stated.
Pakistan is heavily dependent on oil and gas supplies from the Gulf region to meet its energy needs. To ensure supply continuity during this Middle East crisis, fuel transport vessels have even required strict naval escort throughout the week.
Last week, the Islamabad government raised fuel prices by approximately 20 per cent, immediately triggering long queues and panic buying at petrol stations. Despite the tense situation, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik stated that the public need not worry.
“There will be no significant changes in fuel prices in the near term,” Malik stated.
As an emergency measure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a national conservation plan specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption. The policy includes reducing working days for government employees to four days per week and closing schools.
However, on the ground, energy logistics sector workers report conditions far different from the calm portrayed by the government. Tanker assistant driver Mazhar Mahmood revealed that workers still return empty-handed when visiting distribution centres.
“Drivers went to the depot today as well, but depot staff said no fuel is available,” Mahmood said.
Mahmood stated he had received information that supplies might become available in the coming days, though uncertainty continues to surround workers and the general public.
“The situation in this country is not good. There is no petrol in the country, which is why vehicles are parked here,” he concluded.