LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan on Friday summoned the principal secretary to the prime minister and federal secretary for petroleum to explain shortage of petrol in the country.

The chief justice was hearing a petition by a citizen, Shabbir Hussain, questioning the shortage of the petrol and seeking action against the responsible authorities.

Petitioner’s counsel contended that there had been an acute shortage of the petrol since the government decreased its price as per the international market. He said the oil marketing companies created an artificial shortage of the petrol and the government failed to ensure smooth supply of the essential fuel as people waited for hours in long queues at the petrol pumps.

He said the shortage of petrol caused an overall crisis like situation in the country.

The counsel asked the court to order action against the authorities responsible for the fuel crisis and direct the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to ensure smooth supply of the petrol across the country.

After hearing the contention, Chief Justice Khan sought personal appearance of principal secretary to the prime minister and petroleum secretary on June 17.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2020