KARACHI – After reduction in petroleum products prices, long queues were seen at the petrol pumps in the city on Saturday, while in many areas petrol pumps refused to sell petroleum products at reduced prices, mainly because of the fact that petroleum dealers stopped supply. Besides, the weekly closure of CNG stations made the situation worst for the Karachiites.
During the survey of city, it was observed that the petrol pump owners demanded the old higher rates because, according to them, they would suffer loss by selling fuel at the new reduced rates.
Many motorists, who were seen outside many petrol pumps in hope of getting the fuel, while talking to The Nation, said that the petrol pump owners had created an artificial shortage of petroleum products because of reduction in prices. In many areas, the petroleum dealers stopped the supply to the petrol pumps. “Whether there is cut or raise in prices, they (petroleum dealers and petrol pump owners) loot the masses,” motorists compained.
Meanwhile, a taxi driver, who was waiting for his turn at a petrol pump, said, “We (taxi drivers) use CNG as fuel but because of weekly closure it is not available. We go for the alternative (petrol), but there is no petrol as well.”
On the other side, experts said dealers kept stocks but people would not lift their regular requirement on the days preceding and wait until the price decreased.
Long queues were seen at petrol pumps in different part of the city including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Johar, Skhi Hassan, Federal Bare , Old City and Liaqat-Abad. The queues caused traffic jams at some places, causing inconvenience for all.
Meanwhile, Mutahida Qaumi Movement MNAs have urged the government to take more measures for providing relief to the poor people of the country.
Describing reduction in petroleum products prices “a good omen”, they said though MQM wants government to give more subsidy on petroleum products.