Pakistan, Oct. 22 -- A looming fuel import crisis has sparked nationwide concern as the Sindh government enforces a mandatory bank guarantee requirement on petroleum consignments. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has urgently warned the Ministry of Energy that the move could halt fuel imports entirely in the coming months if left unresolved. With clearance delays already occurring at Karachi Port due to the imposition of a 1.8% Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess, fears of a nationwide fuel shortage have intensified among oil marketing companies.

The newly imposed 1.8% levy is expected to raise petroleum product costs by over Rs3 per litre, creating a direct impact on consumers despite regulated fuel pricing. While the Sindh g...