Unusually long queues of vehicles and motorcycles have been seen at petrol pumps in the federal capital Islamabad since this morning, the main reason for which is the expected huge hike in the prices of petroleum products from May 1.
Although the current prices are already at the highest level in the country’s history (petrol Rs 393.35 and diesel Rs 380.19), the news of crude oil price reaching $126 in the global market and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has spread severe anxiety among the citizens.
The situation is quite tense at petrol pumps located in the important areas of Islamabad, Blue Area, G-11, and Expressway, where ordinary citizens are also facing severe difficulties due to traffic jams. There have also been reports of heated exchanges between citizens and pump staff at several places as some pumps have restricted supply on the pretext of “stock running out”, following which the district administration has taken action and sealed several pumps.
Citizens say they are forced to get their tanks filled to save their savings in this inflationary storm as rumours are doing the rounds that the next price will cross the Rs 400 mark. On the other hand, the Petroleum Division has appealed to citizens not to panic as there is a 28-day stock in the country; however, public confidence does not seem to be restored and queues are likely to increase rather than decrease till late night.
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