QUETTA, June 16 (Alliance News): The growing conflict between Iran and Israel is now having a direct and severe impact on Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where a worsening fuel crisis has brought life to a near standstill, particularly in border regions.
Across cities and districts — from Quetta to Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Chagai — petrol stations are closing rapidly due to a cut in Iranian fuel supply following the closure of all border crossings by the Balochistan government.
Officials say the decision was made in response to mounting regional security concerns.
More than 70% of petrol stations in Quetta have already shut down. Long lines of vehicles continue to build at the few stations still operating, sparking public panic.
The situation is even more critical in the Makran and Chagai divisions, where entire towns are facing a complete halt in fuel distribution.
Border routes in Mashkel, Gabad-Kalatuk, Panjgur, and other key locations have been sealed indefinitely. Officials in these areas have warned residents to limit non-essential travel as supplies dwindle.
In Chagai’s Mashkel, once a vital trade point with Iran, fuel and goods are no longer moving, leaving local communities in limbo. Gwadar’s Deputy Commissioner confirmed the suspension of cross-border movement of fuel and vehicles, while Panjgur authorities have banned even pedestrian movement at border points.
Despite visible shortages and widespread closures, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind has denied the existence of a province-wide fuel emergency.
He claimed the narrative was being pushed by illegal fuel dealers following a crackdown on unlicensed Iranian petrol sellers. Rind also cited over two dozen recent fuel-related accidents in Quetta as justification for tighter control.
However, scenes on the ground paint a different picture. In nearly every district, fuel stations have gone dry, with residents stuck in long queues and public transport services disrupted.
Authorities have warned that petrol stations hoarding fuel or refusing service will face legal consequences, but the fear of total shutdowns continues to grow.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has dismissed claims of a nationwide petroleum shortage, assuring the public that Pakistan has sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel.
Still, in Balochistan, the immediate crisis shows no signs of easing. With fuel supply lines cut off, markets slowing down, and mobility restricted, the Iranian-Israeli conflict has shifted from a distant war to a pressing local emergency.
