Nationwide fuel shortage feared as Sindh's new cess stalls oil at Karachi Port
PK
Home Sindh's 1.8% cess may hike fuel prices by over Rs3 per litre, directly impacting consumers The enforcement of 1.8% Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess by the provincial government has delayed the clearance of petroleum products at Karachi Port, creating fears of a nationwide shortage of fuel supplies. The 1.8% cess could raise the cost of petroleum products by more than Rs3 per litre. The imposition of this cess will directly impact consumers, even though fuel prices are regulated. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has written a letter to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, alerting him to the situation. According to the OCAC, petroleum product cargoes currently being discharged, as well as ships anchored at ports, require immediate customs clearance. The letter stated that Pakistan State Oil’s oil tankers – MT Islam 2 and MT Hanifa – are berthed and awaiting customs clearance. It added that oil stocks at the Keamari oil terminal are depleting and the two vessels berthed at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) must be granted immediate customs clearance.
Published: October 20, 2025 4:57 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original