BAHAWALPUR: Shortage of diesel has been observed in various parts of the city and suburbs.

Kisan Board Pakistan’s Jam Hazoor Bakhsh and a Kissan Itthehad leader alleged that the petrol pumps had stopped diesel supply to consumers and the cotton growers and tubewell operators were in particular in a difficult situation.

They said the diesel shortage had affected wheat threshing in rural areas.

District Petroleum Association president Haji Muhammad Yaseen alleged that the oil marketing companies (OMCs) had suspended the supply of the diesel to the petrol pumps thus creating an artificial shortage. He said the companies wanted to earn a fast buck amid possibility of increase in the prices of petroleum products.

Instead of continuing the supply chain of the diesel to the petrol pumps, he said, the OMCs withheld their stocks leaving the consumers high and dry.

He urged the government to take prompt action and force the OMCs to resume the supply of diesel.

ILLEGAL BILLBOARDS: As many as 270 illegal billboards have been pulled down and graffiti and unauthorised wall chalking in 391 union councils washed away in the Bahawalpur division.

This was stated by Divisional Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Zafar Iqbal while chairing a meeting here on Friday.

According to a handout, out of 607 billboards, 270 illegal ones were pulled down to ensure public safety.

The meeting was also informed that 47 dilapidated bridges over canals had been renovated and restored for the vehicular traffic while 29 bus stands had been provided basic amenities for the passengers.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2022