The increasing tension in the region has led to a decrease in the supply of jet fuel in Pakistan, as a result of which the Pakistan Airports Authority has issued instructions to all airlines to operate with minimum jet fuel for flights.
According to this decision, local airlines have also been directed to obtain maximum jet fuel from abroad so that there is no disruption in the flights of airlines. This notification (NOTAM) will remain in force till March 31, and airlines will be required to make their operations more efficient based on it. The aim of this measure is to meet the fuel shortage due to the ongoing tension and prevent the services of airlines from being affected.
According to the NOTAM issued, airlines have been directed to use minimum Jet A-1 fuel while refueling flights from within Pakistan and take only that much fuel that is necessary for the safety of the flight and reaching the destination. The aim of this measure is to reduce the burden on local reserves.
Airlines have been advised to refuel flights from abroad with maximum fuel so that they do not need to refuel here after landing in Pakistan or they have very little fuel. This technique is called ‘fuel tankering’ in aviation parlance.
According to media, the ongoing war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely affected the movement of oil tankers. Pakistan imports most of its crude oil and refined petroleum products from the Gulf countries, where the supply chain has been disrupted due to recent attacks.
Hundreds of flights of various airlines, including PIA, have been cancelled in the last 12 days. After jet fuel prices increased by up to 75 percent, airlines have imposed an additional ‘fuel surcharge’ ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 per ticket.
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