Karachi, Jun 16 (PTI) The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has sparked a fuel crisis in Pakistan's Balochistan province, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan. Since Sunday, numerous petrol stations, which largely rely on smuggled petrol and diesel from Iran, have begun to shut down throughout Balochistan, inciting panic among the residents. Many vehicle owners found themselves returning home empty-handed after queuing up at the petrol stations selling the smuggled Iranian fuel. Subsequently, deputy commissioners issued notices suspending all pedestrian and trade movements, including fuel deliveries, indefinitely as a “precautionary security measure”. The notifications also detailed the sealing of border crossings with Iran in Panjgur and Gwadar districts for security reasons. The Gabd-Kalato 250 border point in Gwadar, a crucial route for local trade and oil imports from Iran, has been closed until further notice, according to a Levies official. This situation coincides with the federal government's decision to hike petrol and diesel prices, with increases of Rs 4.80 and Rs 7.95 per litre, respectively. Despite a ban, smuggled Iranian fuel, being less expensive than Pakistani fuel, remains a primary supply source in Balochistan. A Levies source noted that the Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted the fuel supply from Iran via border towns. The border districts of Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chagai, Washuk, and Mashkail are severely affected, facing not just a halt in Iranian fuel supplies but also a food shortage, as many essential goods are sourced from Iran. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of petrol stations have shut down due to the halt in supply through the Makran, Rakhshan, and Chagai areas. Nevertheless, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government downplayed the severity of the situation, asserting that there is no fuel shortage in the province and pointing out that most petrol stations remain operational in the provincial capital. Shahid Rind, in a statement, denied any impression of a fuel shortage. He suggested that petrol stations selling Iranian oil posed safety risks, prompting the government's recent crackdown. He further alleged that individuals profiting from the sale of Iranian fuel have been spreading rumors to induce panic. "These perceived shortages are being exaggerated by those seeking to lift the ban on smuggled Iranian fuel," he stated.
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