Pakistan International Airlines was once again left unable to operate after Pakistan State Oil shut off its oil supply over non-payment of dues.

Reports said that Sunday’s supply closure was made after a banking transaction could not be completed due to a bank holiday.

PIA has reportedly been paying money for fuel in advance for the last few days and Rs220 million were paid for Satruday’s operations.

However, since the payment could not be made on Sunday morning, PSO once again told the national flag carrier it could not suply fuel.

The disruption left the airline in a lurch with most domestice flights being cancelled.

Aviation experts told Aaj News that it was ‘surprising’ that one government department was unwilling to provide a concession to another. The experts added that deparments usually sort out such matters before things reach a point where operations are affected.

The experts added that such actions could be a way to mould public opinion before PIA’s privatisation is undertaken. They added that two ministries not being able to sort out such a routine matter could be a matter of strategy instead of just incomeptence.

While PIA flights are out of action, private airlines could jack up their fares which could lead to additional burden on the public, the experts added.