Petrol pumps in Balochistan closed creating problems for consumers
Manan Mandokhail :
QUETTA: All petrol pumps across Balochistan were closed on the call of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers’ Association (PPDA) on Thursday. Consumers in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan faced difficulties in the acquisition of petrol and diesel.
“The government has to increase our profit margin”, Syed Qayamuddin Agha, the President of Petrol Pumps Association Balochistan told Quetta Voice. Long queues of vehicles were parked outside the petrol pumps for the hope of opening. However, they returned in despair as the owners closed all pumps. “I have been waiting since morning for fuel at this pump”, Muhammad Ashraf, a vehicle owner said.
45 petrol pumps remained closed
All 45 petrol pumps remained closed throughout the day. “We realize the difficulties of the masses but we have no option other than closing pumps”, Mr Agha said. He said the government has to realize the price hike and the troubles of the petrol pump owners.
People faced difficulties in reaching their destination from one area to another area because all petrol pumps were closed in the city. Most of the consumers complained that the present government has failed to provide petrol and diesel despite increasing rates. “This is irony of fate that extremely expensive fuel is not available”, Mr Ashraf lamented.
The administration held negotiations with pump owners
Quetta administration contacted the petrol pump owners to reopen pumps because of mounting public pressure. But the owners refused to do so. “Government is in negotiations with pump owners”, a senior administration official said. He requested anonymity.
“Government should address our grievances we will open the pumps within one minute”, Qayamuddin Agha said. He said the provincial government should speak to the federal government and take up the issue of petrol pump owners.
Throughout the day, the consumers remained in search of petrol and diesel. Consumers also used Iranian smuggled petrol and diesel to meet their requirements.
