Concerns have been raised over petrol availability in Lahore and several other cities of Punjab after disruptions in the transportation of petroleum products, while supply to retail fuel stations was delayed.
According to sources in the petroleum retail sector, the movement of oil tankers from major storage depots was lower than usual on Saturday. The delay reportedly occurred after inspection and stock verification activities were carried out by customs and law enforcement teams at several oil depots, which affected the normal delivery of fuel consignments.
As a result, several petrol stations across Lahore did not receive their scheduled deliveries during the day. Fuel retailers said that some outlets are currently operating with limited reserves which are expected to meet only short-term demand if a fresh supply does not arrive on time.
Industry sources indicated that two major fuel depots, Mahmood Kot and Ghati, were among the facilities facing disruptions in tanker deliveries. On a typical day, these depots dispatch over 150 oil tankers carrying petroleum products to Lahore and other districts of Punjab.
Retailers said that no oil tankers had reached many petrol stations from these depots since morning, putting pressure on the province’s fuel distribution network. While the pumps remain operational, the prolonged delays could affect fuel availability in some areas in the coming hours.
Market observers also pointed to another factor playing a role in the situation. The expectation of a possible decline in petroleum prices prompted some filling station operators to place smaller fuel orders than usual, aiming to avoid holding costly inventories ahead of any official price revision.
The combination of delayed tanker movements and reduced purchasing has raised concerns among fuel dealers about a temporary shortage if normal transportation operations are not restored soon.
Despite the concerns, there has been no official announcement regarding a province-wide fuel shortage. Authorities have also not issued any directives to ban fuel sales, and industry stakeholders expect the supply chain to stabilise once tanker deliveries from affected depots resume.
Consumers are advised to rely on official updates and avoid unnecessary panic buying, as such behaviour could put additional pressure on local fuel supplies even during temporary logistical disruptions.