KARACHI: The Oil Tankers Owners Association Tuesday observed a strike against the imposition of new levy on the transportation of oil upcountry.
The strike called by the Oil Tanker Owner’s Association also caused a severe shortage of petrol in Karachi, Quetta and several parts of the country. Besides, the shortage comes as the government notified a decrease of Rs 3 per litre in the prices of petrol and diesel from Tuesday.
Chairman Petroleum and CNG Association Shabir Sulemanji told Customs Today that 30 percent of fuel stations in Karachi an out of petrol and diesel due to the strike, expressing hope that situation would improve by Wednesday.
Some parts of Sindh and Punjab have also begun to feel the effect of the shortage, with fears that the shortage may spiral out of control.
The strike by the Oil Tanker Owner’s Association, called to protest against sales tax imposed on transportation of oil, is being seen as the main reason for the shortage which is causing great difficulty for consumers.
Experts and observers say the effects of the shortage are exacerbated by pumping stations not keeping enough stock and consumers waiting for prices to go down to refill their fuel tanks.
