Israel-Iran conflict disrupts Iranian fuel supply, triggers crisis in Pakistan's Balochistan

The Israel-Iran conflict has triggered a fuel crisis in Pakistan's Balochistan province, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, PTI reported.

Since Sunday, many petrol stations that rely on smuggled petrol and diesel from Iran began shutting down across Balochistan, creating panic among residents. Hundreds of vehicle owners, who queued at petrol stations, returned disappointed as these outlets closed operations.

Deputy commissioners across Balochistan later issued notifications suspending all pedestrian and trade movement, including fuel deliveries, indefinitely as a "precautionary security measure." The notifications also stated that the border crossings with Iran in Panjgur and Gwadar districts were sealed for security reasons. The Gabd-Kalato 250 border point in Gwadar, a key route for local trade and oil transport from Iran, was also closed until further notice, a Levies official confirmed.


The federal government’s recent hike in fuel prices added to the crisis. Petrol prices were increased by Rs 4.80 per litre and diesel by Rs 7.95 per litre.

Despite bans in certain areas, Iranian fuel remains the primary supply source for Balochistan due to its lower price compared to locally processed fuel. The Levies official said the Israel-Iran conflict disrupted the fuel supply from Iran as the smuggled fuel enters Pakistan through border towns.

Border districts such as Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chagai, Washuk, and Mashkail have been worst-hit, facing not only fuel shortages but also food scarcity, as most edible supplies come from Iran. Around 60 to 70 per cent of petrol stations have shut down due to the disruption in Iranian oil smuggling through Makran, Rakhshan and Chagai areas.

However, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind dismissed reports of a province-wide fuel shortage. "There is no fuel shortage in the province, as most petrol stations are open in the provincial capital," PTI quoted him as saying.

Rind added, "Petrol stations selling Iranian oil are a safety hazard, which is why the government initiated action against them earlier this month."

He also alleged that, "People minting money by selling Iranian petrol and diesel had started spreading rumours to create panic."

"These so-called shortages are being exaggerated by those who want to lift the ban on smuggled Iranian fuel," he said.

(With PTI inputs)