ISLAMABAD: Apologising for the ongoing petrol crisis in the country, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday cited...
ISLAMABAD: Apologising for the ongoing petrol crisis in the country, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday cited increase in demand, following a substantial reduction in POL prices, as the main reason behind the petrol shortage.
Speaking at a press conference after attending a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House held on the matter, he said he was embarrassed and apologises for the difficulties faced by the consumers due to petrol shortage across Pakistan specially in Punjab.
The minister vowed that the crisis would be resolved by the end of week and urged the masses not to panic as petrol supply has already been restored. He also urged them not to increase their purchase due to the current crisis.
He also said that the crisis intensified due to lack of CNG’s availability in Punjab and added that supply of CNG was not possible for the whole province.
Abbasi, on the occasion, said that the prices of petroleum products would be further reduced by Rs5 from February 1.
He ensured that the supply would remain stable as it has been increased to 15,600 tonnes in Punjab. Islamabad is being supplied 600,000 litre petrol in comparison to 400,000 litres before, he added.
Abbasi also said that 1600,000 litres of petrol is being supplied to Lahore, while 575,000 litres to Rawalpindi.
He said the prime minister has directed for an early resolution of the crisis during the emergency meeting today. The water and power ministry has been directed to resolve financial issues with the Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Shahid Khaqan Abbasi added.
PM Nawaz angry at petroleum ministry officials
During the meeting earlier today, Prime Minister Sharif expressed anger at officials from the petroleum ministry, stating those responsible would not be spared.
In Punjab, long queues are seen at the few petrol stations which are open with people waiting since the break of dawn to fill the tanks of their vehicles.
There have been several complaints of petrol being sold at inflated prices as his as Rs400 per litre.
The acute fuel shortage in Punjab has caused hardships to domestic and industrial consumers with households unable to make school-runs and industries unable to function.