The ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests have caused significant disruptions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, raising fears of a petrol shortage in the twin cities. Blocked roads, resulting from government-imposed measures to manage the protests, have severely impacted the supply chain of petroleum products, ARY News reported.
Fuel Supply Disruption in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Noman Ali Butt, a leader of the Oil Tankers Association, emphasized that blocked routes have halted oil tanker movements, creating a dire situation for petrol stations in the region. “If the blockages persist, petrol pumps in Rawalpindi and Islamabad could face complete shutdowns starting tomorrow,” Butt warned. The disruption has already caused panic among the public, who fear further shortages.
The Oil Tankers Association has urged local authorities to reopen roads immediately to restore the supply chain. If the situation continues, the fuel crisis may worsen, adding to the difficulties faced by residents and businesses in the region.
School Closures and Broader Impact
Adding to the disruption, the government announced the closure of schools in the twin cities on Tuesday, November 26, citing safety concerns amid ongoing protests. The protests have also caused logistical challenges, affecting various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and trade.
Traders Raise Alarm Over Economic and Humanitarian Crisis
President of the All Pakistan Traders Association, Ajmal Baloch, called for an urgent political resolution to address the unrest. Baloch expressed concern over the widespread impact on the economy and daily life, stating, “There is chaos across the country, and the people are deeply troubled.”
The protests and subsequent road blockades have stranded containers carrying essential goods, leading to fears of food and medicine shortages nationwide. “Patients are unable to reach hospitals, and ambulances are struggling to find routes, resulting in fatalities,” Baloch added.
Call for Political Resolution
The All Pakistan Traders Association and the Oil Tankers Association have appealed to the government to resolve the crisis through dialogue. They emphasized that reopening blocked routes is crucial to restoring normalcy in supply chains and mitigating the economic and humanitarian impact.
As the protests continue to disrupt daily life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the urgency for a political resolution grows. The government must act swiftly to alleviate the mounting hardships faced by citizens and businesses alike.
 protests have caused significant disruptions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, raising fears of a petrol shortage in the twin cities. Blocked roads, resulting from government-imposed measures to manage the protests, have severely impacted the supply chain of petroleum products, ARY News reported.){kind=link}