THIS is with reference to your editorial, ‘Petrol blame game’ (July 1). The Petroleum Division has already clarified the allegation of linking petrol shortage in June 2020 to the partial curtailment of oil import in March 2020.

It is stated again that the decision was taken to curtail oil imports keeping in view the evolving situation to manage the supply chain in the wake of the drastic drop in demand while preserving local production of oil and gas from fields producing local crude.

The decision to curtail imports was lifted on April 24. During this curtailment period (March 25 to April 24, 2020), six ships of motor gasoline and two ships of crude oil were allowed, based on the requirements and demand of various OMCs and refineries.

The effect of this curtailment, if any, would have shown in the early to mid-May given the sailing time of only three to four days from the Gulf region. This negates the perception that any disruption in the supply chain for the month of June was created by oil import curtailment in March/April 2020.

Spokesman
Petroleum Division
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2020