On Friday, April 3, 2026, the Oil Tanker Contractors Association (OTCA) announced a complete suspension of oil supplies across Pakistan, effective tomorrow. The strike is a direct response to the government’s decision to hike petrol and diesel prices to historic levels, which has rendered current freight and rental agreements financially unviable for transporters.
“Better to Park than to Lose”
OTCA President Abdullah Afridi issued a stern warning following the expiration of a 10-day deadline given to the Ministry of Petroleum:
- The Suspension: No oil tankers will be loaded starting Saturday, April 4.
- Financial Loss: Afridi stated that with diesel prices surging by over Rs 184 per litre, it is “not possible” to operate at existing rates. “It is better to keep the vehicles parked than to incur massive financial losses,” he added.
- Negotiation Failure: Despite multiple letters sent to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, the association claims there has been “no positive progress” on revising the freight structure or addressing the changes in pipeline quotas.
KP and Punjab at Risk
The strike is expected to cripple fuel availability in several key regions:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab: As the primary hubs for tanker-based supply, these provinces will face immediate shortages at petrol pumps if the strike lasts more than 24 hours.
- Supply Chain: The strike affects the transport of fuel from refineries and ports to the up-country depots. Combined with the Strait of Hormuz closure, this creates a “double-squeeze” on Pakistan’s energy security.
You May Like To Read: “Prolonged” Energy Crisis, EU Issues Urgent Work-from-Home Advisory
Check out our latest video:
