AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
KARACHI: Sheikh Umer Rehan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), has sounded an alarm over a looming edible oil shortage due to ongoing protests and road blockades on national highways connecting Sindh to other provinces. These disruptions have immobilized thousands of containers carrying edible oil, cooking oil, and ghee, leading to billions of rupees in losses for the industry.
In a recent statement, Rehan expressed concern about the escalating challenges faced by manufacturers. He noted that the blockades have significantly hindered the timely export of consignments, threatening the cancellation of foreign orders and exacerbating financial complications for industrialists.
The disruption has already resulted in shortages of edible oil and ghee in several regions, adding to the difficulties faced by the general public. Industries dependent on imported raw materials, particularly in the edible oil sector, are experiencing considerable operational slowdowns. Rehan warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate action is not taken to clear the roads.
He called on both the Federal and Provincial governments to urgently intervene and remove the protestors from highways to ensure the seamless supply of food items across the nation and to stabilize the logistics network, including exports.
Rehan cautioned that failure to resolve the issue could not only worsen shortages of essential items but also trigger inflation and halt industrial activities. He highlighted the crucial role of the edible oil sector in meeting a significant portion of the country’s food requirements and stressed that prolonged disruptions could severely impact the national economy.
He urged authorities to implement immediate and effective measures to safeguard the industry from further setbacks, warning that the current road blockades are also damaging Pakistan’s standing in the international market.