The city is at risk of a fuel shortage as restrictions on oil tankers have disrupted deliveries to over 400 petrol stations, threatening the fuel supply for more than 5 million consumers.

The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has called on the Punjab government to exempt petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) tankers from the Traffic Police’s ban on heavy vehicles, which currently prohibits their entry into the city from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

In a letter addressed to the Punjab chief secretary, the OCAC emphasized that the restriction has severely impacted Lahore’s fuel supply chain. The council noted that while Karachi enforces a similar ban, it provides exemptions for POL tankers to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply.

The OCAC warned that if the restriction is not lifted, Lahore could face a full-scale fuel crisis. It urged the provincial government to revise the advisory to avoid public inconvenience and ensure fuel availability across the city.

With Lahore consuming over 5 million liters of petrol daily, the OCAC stressed the urgency of the matter, warning that immediate action is necessary to prevent another crisis. The council has urged the government to prioritize the exemption of POL tankers to maintain the city’s fuel supply and avoid widespread inconvenience.