Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Convener of the Energy Committee at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), Chairman of Malik Group and President of the Pakistan Business Forum (Karachi Region)  has warned of a looming fuel crisis in the country due to petroleum cargo being held up at ports.

In a statement issued on Monday, Malik Khuda Bakhsh said that the Sindh government’s sudden reinstatement of a 100% bank guarantee requirement under the Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) has caused multiple petroleum cargo shipments to become stranded at Karachi’s ports. He cautioned that the country’s fuel supply chain could face severe disruption if immediate steps are not taken to address the issue.

He revealed that at least five major petroleum vessels, carrying petrol and diesel for companies such as Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Hascol Petroleum Limited (HPL), Pakistan GasPort Limited (PGL), and Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO), are currently awaiting customs clearance.

“Motor spirit (petrol) reserves at the Keamari terminal are rapidly depleting,” he said. “If this delay continues, the country could face a serious fuel shortage during the critical agricultural season.”

Malik further stressed that the fuel supply chain is on the verge of collapse, and any delay in cargo clearance will make recovery more difficult and time-consuming. He urged the authorities to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the situation and prevent a nationwide fuel crisis.