KARACHI, June 16: The Israel-Iran conflict has caused a fuel crisis in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan.
As a result, petrol stations heavily dependent on smuggled Iranian fuel products have started closing across the province, causing panic among people.
The federal government has increased the prices of petrol and diesel, with their rates climbing by Rs 4.80 and Rs 7.95 per litre, respectively.
Iranian fuel, which is cheaper than the fuel processed and sold by Pakistani companies, is the main source of supply for Balochistan despite a ban on its sale in many areas.
The border districts of Balochistan with Iran, including Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chagai, Washuk, and Mashkail, are worst-affected, as they are facing a suspension of Iranian oil supply and a food shortage.
Around 60 to 70 per cent of petrol stations have been closed due to the suspension of the supply of Iranian smuggled oil through Makran, Rakhshan, and Chagai areas.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government, however, played down the situation, claiming that there was no fuel shortage in the province, as most petrol stations were open in the provincial capital.
Shahid Rind refuted the impression that the province was facing a fuel shortage, stating that petrol stations selling Iranian oil are a safety hazard and that people minting money by selling Iranian petrol and diesel have started spreading rumors to create panic. (AP)
