ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital sought to calm fears of a fuel shortage on Wednesday, acknowledging limited disruptions at some petrol pumps amid strict security measures ahead of possible talks between the United States and Iran to find a peaceful settlement to the war in the Middle East, while pointing out that overall stocks of petrol and diesel remained sufficient across the city.
Islamabad has been under tight movement controls in recent days, with key routes sealed and access to sensitive areas restricted, though it is not clear when the second round of negotiations will be held. The city hosted the first round on Apr. 11 amid a temporary truce announced days earlier, bringing the two sides face to face with each other for the first time in decades, though the talks did not lead to a breakthrough.
Senior US and Iranian officials were expected to meet again in Islamabad this week, but Tehran did not confirm its participation amid hardening attitudes on both sides.
“Stocks of petrol and diesel are available in sufficient quantities at pumps across the city,” the district administration said in a statement, adding that reports of shortages were being reviewed.
“Some petrol pumps faced short-term difficulties due to the suspension of heavy transport, but fuel supply is being ensured to all such outlets through tankers,” it added.
The administration urged residents not to panic over such reports, saying field officials were actively monitoring fuel availability across different areas of the city.
It added that a digital dashboard was being used to track stock levels, with immediate action planned in case of any shortages.
The restrictions have already disrupted oil supply chains, with Attock Refinery Limited saying in a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange that it had shut down a key unit after tanker movement was curtailed.
US President Donald Trump has said negotiations could take place in Islamabad as soon as Friday, even as Iran maintains it will not hold talks under pressure from the US naval blockade of its ports.
The process currently remains in flux despite signals that backchannel contacts are continuing.
