Islamabad: The Oil Tanker Contractors Association on Friday threatened to halt operations and stage protests nationwide following a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices, warning of potential fuel supply disruptions across several provinces.
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The government on Thursday raised petrol prices by Rs137 per litre to a record-high Rs458.4, while diesel surged by Rs184–185 per litre. The increase included a steep jump in the petroleum levy on petrol from Rs106 to Rs161 per litre, a Rs55 hike, which significantly outpaced international market movements. This marks the second major fuel price increase in less than a month, bringing cumulative hikes to 63% for petrol and 75% for high-speed diesel.
OTCA President Abdullah Afridi warned that “no oil tanker will be loaded tomorrow,” adding that operations are financially unsustainable under current rates. Afridi announced planned protests against Oil Marketing Companies and demanded higher freight rates.
He specifically highlighted potential supply disruptions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and other areas, urging tanker owners to keep vehicles off roads to avoid losses. Afridi described the situation as “oppression and injustice” and said repeated requests for negotiations with authorities, including Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, have yielded no progress.
The OTCA also cited pipeline quota adjustments as a factor worsening operational challenges. Afridi warned that a nationwide strike could be imminent if their demands are not addressed.
The government implemented the price increases after failing to secure IMF approval for higher fuel subsidies. The International Monetary Fund capped subsidies at Rs152 billion, limiting the government’s ability to absorb global fuel price shocks. The setback also highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s inability to leverage international influence, including ties with US President Donald Trump, to gain flexibility from the IMF.
