QUETTA : The ongoing petrol and diesel crisis in Balochistan has pushed prices to Rs 500 per liter in several cities, causing severe hardship for citizens. Long queues have formed at the few operating fuel stations, while many remain shut across the province.
In Quetta, dozens of petrol pumps remain closed in various areas, intensifying pressure on the ones still open. Citizens waiting for hours have reported mental distress due to the uncertainty and long lines.
The shortage has hit interior districts even harder. In Noshki, Kharan, and Loralai, fuel is now being sold for Rs 500 per liter — well above the official government-set price — as black markets thrive amid the supply disruption.
According to Qiyamuddin Agha, President of the Petroleum Dealers Association, the supply of petrol from Shikarpur has been increased, and he expects the situation to return to normal within a day or two.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Quetta attributed the rush to a stoppage of Iranian petrol supply, which had previously been supplementing local stocks. He confirmed that 600,000 liters (6 lakh liters) of petrol had been supplied to petrol pumps in Quetta today to ease the crunch.
Residents, however, remain skeptical, with many reporting that pumps run out within hours of receiving fresh supplies. Authorities have urged citizens not to panic and assured that fuel tankers are en route to affected areas.
No official statement has been issued regarding price control measures against those selling at Rs 500 per liter.
