Oil supply to upcountry and to the Nato forces in Afghanistan would be suspended if the federal government did not withdraw the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, transporters warned on Tuesday.
Addressing a protest demonstration at Shireen Jinnah Colony, Keamari Town, Chairman All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association Mir Mohammad Yusuf Shahwani warned that they would suspended the supply of oil including petrol, Light-Diesel Oil (LDO), HSD, and HOBC and park their vehicles if the increase in POL prices was not withdrawn immediately. He said that it was very difficult for them to run their business with the increased prices of diesel and petrol, whereas the prices of spare parts and maintenance of vehicles had been doubled.
"We will make an announcement regarding suspension of oil supplies across the country and to Nato forces after an emergency meeting to be held on December 2," he said. The prices of petroleum products in international market are stable, while the government is increasing it after every two months, which is a sheer injustice with poverty-stricken people, he added.
Shahwani said that the transporters would urge the federal government to take back the recent hike in the POL prices immediately so that poor masses could take a sigh of relief. He also demanded of President and Prime Minister to intervene and withdraw the decision. Earlier, a large number of the oil transporters parked their tankers at Shireen Jinnah Colony and chanted slogans against the government decision. The protesters also blocked the road for sometime.