DERA ISMAIL KHAN(National Times)- Shortage of petrol disrupted daily life in Dera Ismail Khan after several filling stations across the city and adjoining areas ran out of fuel, causing hardship to commuters and motorists.
Locals said that shortage of fuel affected routine life, business activities and transport service. They said that people were forced to travel from one petrol pump to another in search of fuel.
They also alleged that some people were selling petrol illegally in residential areas at inflated prices. According to them, petrol was being sold for as much as Rs400 to Rs500 per litre, well above the official rate. However, these claims could not be verified independently.
The fuel shortage also led to increase in fares of public transport, placing an additional financial burden on commuters, daily wagers, students and workers. Several filling stations, particularly along Chashma Road, remained closed due to unavailability of fuel.
Locals urged district administration and relevant authorities to ensure immediate restoration of fuel supplies, take strict action against hoarders and profiteers and guarantee an uninterrupted supply of petrol to all filling stations to ease hardships of people.
In Mohmand tribal district, petrol pumps remained closed on Thursday as a protest against recent increase in fuel prices.
The decision to close filling stations was taken during a meeting of Mohmand Petroleum Dealers Association. The meeting was attended by association’s office-bearers and petrol pump owners from across the district.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the association announced its full support to Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Petroleum Dealers Association.
In Bajaur tribal district, most petrol pumps remained closed as owners observed a strike to press the federal government to address their demands.
According to reports, about 50 per cent of petrol stations across the district remained completely shut till Thursday evening during the strike meant to push the federal government to accept demands presented by leaders of All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA).
Besides Khar tehsil, an urban part of the district, several filling stations in Salarzai, Mamund, Nawagi and Utmankhel tehsils also remained closed during the strike called by All Bajaur Petrol Pumps Owners Association.
The closure, which began early Thursday morning and lasted till late evening, caused great inconvenience to people and transporters.
Meanwhile, All Bajaur Petrol Pumps Owners Association president Haji Suleman told reporters on Thursday evening that the strike was successful, as most pump owners kept their outlets shut throughout the day.
