Jet Fuel Shortage on the Horizon in Pakistan

[Abbas Ali]

https://www.dawn.com/news/1375390

the state-run Pakistan State Oil (PSO) is reported to have warned of fuel constraints at upcountry airports. “Since November 22, we have written more than five warnings to the petroleum ministry about imminent dry-outs at airports that could force the Civil Aviation Authority to declare NOTAM – a situation where a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is issued to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight.”

In a latest letter, the PSO told the petroleum ministry that refineries were supplying lower than committed aviation fuels. JP-1 is used by airlines while JP-8 is mostly used by defence aircrafts.

“Parco has indicated that it will supply 16,000 metric tonnes (MT) jet fuel to PSO whereas Attock Refinery Limited 2,000 MT against our demand of 37,000 for the month of December 2017, which is less than 50 per cent,” said a letter received at the Petroleum Division.

“In this scenario up-country airports i.e. Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Peshawar cannot be supplied required jet fuel quantities and imminent dry out is expected at Lahore airport by Dec 8/9, 2017 followed by Islamabad airport by Dec 11/12, 2017,” it said adding that even if PSO planed import of cargo it will not be available during the month in view of tendering and import cycle.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Airlines told to carry additional fuel amid shortage in Lahore, Islamabad

By Mohammad Asghar

RAWALPINDI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has asked airlines to fly in with additional fuel in view of shortages at two airports Lahore and Islamabad.

`CAA is making efforts to improve the situation in coordination with all stakeholders,` a senior official said.

Shell has also issued an advisory which reads: `Shell Oil Company may not be able to fulfil the requirements of refuelling of aircrafts landing at Benazir Bhutto International Airport from Dec 12 to Dec 18, 2017. The airlines are cautioned to carry sufficient fuel on arrival and coordinate with the oil company before proceeding to BBIA.` A similar caution was issued by oil companies at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

All airlines have been asked to coordinate with the ground handling agencies to carry fuel as per company requirement.

According to sources, jet fuel at almost all airports have reached a low stage and fuel supply companies have also advised their clients to fly-in with additional fuel.

Oil supply companies have been trying to make arrangements for jet fuel and additional vessels will be arriving by Dec 20. The flight schedule will remain normal.

Source: DAWN

[Abbas Ali]

According to City42 News channel, a couple of PIA flights, one from Karachi and the other one from Islamabad, arrived in Lahore without baggage pieces of a number of passengers.

Maybe it happened due to shortage of fuel supply at Lahore Airport? To enable Lahore-bound aircraft to carry extra fuel by leaving behind some cargo/baggage pieces?

Abbas