Islamabad, Jan 29: Lahore is on the verge of a fuel shortage due to restrictions on oil tankers, which have disrupted deliveries to more than 400 petrol stations. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has urged the Punjab government to exempt petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) tankers from the current heavy vehicle ban, which prohibits entry between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
In a letter to the Punjab chief secretary, OCAC highlighted that this restriction is severely affecting Lahore’s fuel supply chain, impacting over five million residents. The council pointed out that while Karachi enforces a similar ban, it allows exemptions for POL tankers to ensure uninterrupted fuel availabilit
If the restriction is not lifted, Lahore could face a severe fuel crisis, leading to long queues at petrol stations and potential economic disruptions. The council urged authorities to revise the advisory to prevent public inconvenience and ensure continued fuel supply.
A similar issue occurred in November 2024 when political protests blocked major roads across Punjab, disrupting crude oil deliveries. At that time, the Ministry of Petroleum intervened to restore the supply chain, preventing a prolonged crisis.
Lahore consumes over five million liters of petrol daily, making timely fuel deliveries crucial. OCAC stressed the need for immediate action to avoid another supply chain breakdown. The council warned that if the issue remains unresolved, Lahore’s residents and businesses could face significant fuel shortages in the coming days.
