encourages the government to believe it can get away with anything and, rather than scream and shout, we will just play along. It is that attitude which leads to people like Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, with conflicts of interest, being made petroleum minister. It is that attitude which lets him blame fuel shortages on increased demand, as if our fuel gauges can go to a point beyond full when the international price of oil drops. It lets him blame the media for creating a panic when we should be terrified at how the government is unable to provide us with basic amenities.
It is true that a panic was created without reason in Karachi, which had enough fuel. But it was stoked by politicians who claimed Karachi’s fuel was being diverted by Punjab. And can anyone doubt that we have more than sufficient reason to panic?
Panic can be a healthy emotion that tells us it is time to do something. PSO should have felt panic months ago when it realised its credit line was about to be cut off. Instead it is either still in denial or lying to us. Demand for petrol increased by about six percent after prices were brought down. Such a spike in demand cannot cause our pumps to run dry.
Even worse was the lie about the shortage being temporary and caused by the unexpected closure of a refinery. Yes, a refinery did shut down but it was operational days before the shortages hit and unless we are now transporting oil on the backs of tortoises that cannot be used as an excuse.
Here’s the problem in a nutshell: the government has done nothing to improve its bill collection or stop electricity line losses or make people pay their taxes. It is broke. PSO cannot get the money it is owed and so borrows from others. It is also broke. So the circle remains unbroken until they get their act together. That they haven’t needed to do yet because we haven’t demanded it of them.
We as a nation adapted to having constant electricity shortages. Those who could afford it bought generators and UPSs. Others stewed in the heat. At least we had plenty of gas, so much so that we ended up having more CNG-equipped vehicles than any other country in the world.
Then one fine day we were told that the gas will run out much sooner than expected. So we adapted again, accepting that one of industry, domestic consumers and CNG vehicles could have gas but not all three. Regular petrol shortages should be the final straw. Its either that or waiting for global warming to destroy the planet which we can then rule as the only nation around that has learned to live without power.
The writer is a journalist based in Karachi. Email: nadir.hassangmail.com