LAHORE: Following directions by Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi to launch crackdown against petrol hoarding mafia, police seized hoarded oil worth Rs 300 million from three different areas of Sheikhupura, according to report yesterday. A police team led by District Police Officer Sheikhupura Zahid Nawaz Marwat raided three places and seized dozens of oil tankers parked underground in different mansions (Havelis). Quantity of petrol seized by police is approximately 1.2 million litre.

District police spokesman said cases were being registered against hoarders. DPO said that stern action was being taken against hoarding mafia in whole district.  Meanwhile, in Narowal city, fuel stations have stopped sale of petrol and diesel to general public. Fuel shortage has also affected students’ attendance in schools. Petrol pump owners have stopped sale of fuel taking plea of low supplies being provided to them. After Ogra action, supply of petrol to fuel stations of Lahore was better, however, shortage still persisted in different areas. In Shadman area Shell petrol pumps had no petrol supplies and motorists had to return with no fuel.

In Gujranwala, crisis worsened with majority of fuel stations were seen shut with no supplies on third straight day. Likewise in Samundri and its suburban areas, citizens were purchasing petrol on exorbitant rates. In Okara, complying with directions of Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Deputy Commissioner Zeeshan Hanif has asked all price control magistrates to go in field, check stocks at petrol pumps and take stern action against those who were creating crisis by hoarding petrol.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2023

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