KARACHI: Pakistan is facing a looming edible oil shortage as nationwide highway blockades disrupt supply chains, warns Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA). With thousands of containers stranded due to ongoing protests, the industry is suffering losses amounting to billions of rupees.
Rehan expressed grave concerns about the crisis, emphasizing that manufacturers are unable to transport essential food items, including cooking oil and ghee, to markets across the country. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, shortages could intensify, exacerbating hardships for the general public.
Beyond domestic concerns, export consignments have been delayed, risking cancellations of international orders. This delay not only threatens industrial revenues but also tarnishes Pakistan’s image in global markets.
Rehan has urged federal and provincial authorities to act swiftly to clear highways and restore the logistics network. He cautioned that prolonged blockages could trigger inflation, further strain industries reliant on imported raw materials, and push the national economy toward instability.
“The edible oil sector is crucial to Pakistan’s food security,” he stressed. “The government must take decisive action to protect industry stakeholders and prevent a deeper crisis.”
Industry leaders now wait for government intervention to prevent further disruptions, as Pakistan grapples with an increasingly fragile economic situation.