Shortage of Petrol?

Today in morning the recording of one of my program (Aye Public Aye) was scheduled, but me and my host Rizwan Ali both were vague that what topic should we cover today. As soon, we went by near fuel station for gas refilling of the car, we saw that a hustle bustle was going on at the side of petrol filling area of the station.


We suddenly recalled our minds that Government has announced an increase in fuel prices from 1st of May 2010, and due to that petrol pumps have created an illusion of shortage of the fuel just in order to store the petrol till the high prices are announced, and most of petrol pumps were closed and their officials were saying that they are short of fuel.

According to the news , due to 8% increase in oil prices in global market, Pakistani government has announced Rs.2.40 in petrol and Rs.5.0 in diesel which will be applicable from 1st of May 2010.

This is not the first time that people had to face such tension, every time the Government announces a rise in fuel prices, the petrol stations creates a temporary shortage. Here what people said about the shortage of petrol in Lahore today:

Government should create such check and balances in order to avoid such depressive situations which people had to face in search of fuel. Most of the people consuming petrol are the ones who own motorcycles and are from lower middle class and are related to job sector, now the thing is that our country is already facing much economic disaster in the shape of mismanaged policies, and if such situation persists by these private companies just to benefit thier pockets how come the wheel of economy will run smoothly .

Another important aspect of this news is that, according to Daily News, Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front (PIAF) has opposed this proposed increase in petroleum prices and said that it will hit hard the industrial sector which is currently facing heavy crisis and again due to such governmental policies they are forced to cut down their expenses (and one form of it, is downsizing of employees). Now observing all these aspects, I am thinking that can we afford such kind of black mailing by the petroleum companies which are saying "Fuel out of stock".