Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has raised an alarm over a potential petrol crisis, warning that the country has only 10 to 14 days of petrol reserves remaining and that fuel pumps may be forced to close.

Abdul Sami Khan, representing the association, dismissed claims by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and a federal minister, saying government sources were issuing misleading statements about the nation’s petroleum reserves.

He said dealers were not receiving their average supply, despite assertions that reserves are sufficient.

The association criticised the “quota system” imposed by oil marketing companies, saying that inadequate supply could trigger confrontations between the public and pump staff.

Abdul Sami Khan said dealers would have no choice but to shut pumps if petrol continues to be unavailable.