RAWALPINDI(National Times)- Suspension of goods transport in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has led to a shortage of edibles and fuel.
Traders and goods transporters have demanded that the district administration reopen the roads, as it has done for public transport.
Oil Tanker Contractors’ Association spokesman Noman Ali Butt said on Wednesday that oil tanker movement had halted, affecting supply.
“The ban on the entry of goods transport vehicles is severely hampering the supply of petroleum products. Supply problems have been ongoing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the past two to three days as tankers are not being allowed,” he said.
He added that oil supply vehicles for Peshawar and Islamabad airports were also parked at depots, and fuel supply to the airports was likely to be affected. The association urged the district administrations of the twin cities to restore the supply system by allowing tankers to enter immediately.
Rawalpindi Goods Transport Association President Shaqeel Qureshi told Dawn that due to the closure of roads since April 19, the goods transport system had been affected and no goods had been delivered to grain, fruit, and vegetable markets.
He said that daily wage workers were also affected. He added that transport terminals were empty and labourers came to work but returned after finding no work. He said they had suggested to the district administration that goods transport be allowed to use the motorway to bring supplies from other parts of the country.
“Public transport vehicles on Peshawar Road have been allowed to bring passengers to other parts of the country via the motorway; therefore, we should also be allowed to use this route,” he said. However, he noted that transport charges would increase if goods were brought via the motorway, though shortages of grains and edibles could be avoided.
“If goods transport remains suspended for a day or two, there will be a shortage of edibles in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and adjoining areas, as all supplies to these regions are delivered from Rawalpindi,” he said.
Fruit and Vegetable Traders Association President Qadir Mir said that prices of fruits and vegetables would increase in the coming days if goods transport remained suspended in the garrison city.
“We bring all fruits and vegetables from outside the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and we are currently consuming stock stored in warehouses over the past four days. The stock is now running out,” he said.
He added that the fruit and vegetable market in Sector I-11 of Islamabad is the main market from where shopkeepers purchase daily supplies, and there had been no business for the past two days.
He feared that vegetable prices would rise due to a gap between demand and supply.
When contacted, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Syed Asad Shirazi said that goods transporters had demanded an end to the suspension of goods transportation in the garrison city, and the matter had been forwarded to the Punjab government.
“As soon as the Punjab government grants permission, we will resume goods transport in the garrison city,” he said.
