As the city runs on fumes, motorcyclists line up at a petrol pump in Karachi, waiting their turn amid surge in fuel prices. Photo: Jalal Qureshi / Express
The government on Thursday raised petrol by Rs6.51 per litre and diesel prices by Rs19.39 per litre for the next week amid the current fuel crisis due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, sources said the government had moved into action after a sharp increase in international petroleum prices, with a decision expected late in the day on revised fuel rates aimed at protecting consumers from a possible Rs40 per litre hike.
They added that issuing the price notification a day earlier could help the public avoid a significant financial burden. However, they cautioned that any increase in the petroleum levy could place further pressure on fuel prices.
Sources further warned that if the situation regarding the Strait of Hormuz was not resolved immediately, a major increase in fuel prices could be seen on May 9.
Petroleum Division denies pump closure reports
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Division rejected reports regarding the closure of petrol pumps from May 1.
In a statement, the division said there was no truth in reports suggesting the closure of petrol pumps, adding that the supply of petroleum products would continue without interruption.
It urged the public to avoid being misled by what it called negative propaganda aimed at creating panic.
The statement added that since the beginning of the Middle East conflict, petroleum supply had remained uninterrupted and would continue to be ensured in the future.
Panic in public
Amid reports of an expected hike and possible shortage of petroleum products, citizens rushed to petrol pumps in the federal capital, resulting in long queues and increased rush.
The District Administration Islamabad issued an important message for citizens amid reports of increased activity at petrol pumps across the city, terming reports of petrol unavailability as “mere rumours”.
It said sufficient stock of petrol was available at all fuel stations in the city and urged citizens to report any fuel station providing less petrol than required.
“If any fuel pump provides less petrol than your requirement, inform us immediately,” the district administration said.
A spokesperson added that citizens could contact the district administration’s control room at 051-9108084 and urged them not to pay attention to rumours regarding a fuel shortage.
Reports of a possible hike in petroleum prices also triggered a rush at fuel stations in Lahore.
In anticipation of an increase in prices, long queues of vehicles were witnessed at petrol pumps across the city, disrupting traffic flow in several areas.
Motorcycles, cars and rickshaws were seen lined up outside multiple fuel stations, while reports also indicated that several petrol pumps temporarily halted supply amid the rush.
