Independent Report
By Danish Mengal.
KHUZDAR — Residents in Khuzdar have raised serious concern over the continued sale of Iranian petrol at inflated and inconsistent prices, warning that the lack of regulatory oversight is causing growing financial hardship for households, transport users, and low-income earners. Despite a noticeable drop in fuel costs following the partial reopening of the border, Iranian petrol in Khuzdar is still being sold between Rs220 and Rs230 per litre, compared with Rs180 to Rs200 in several other districts.
Citizens say fuel dealers raise rates immediately whenever border prices increase, even though many already possess stock purchased at cheaper rates. They allege that profiteering networks are extracting unearned gains while authorities remain passive. Sellers reportedly claim they will not reduce prices until existing inventory is exhausted, leaving the public without relief.
Residents attribute the situation to weak administrative enforcement, absence of clear policy on fuel smuggling to other provinces, and insufficient monitoring of market practices. Public complaints stress that the influence of fuel mafias has expanded due to lack of accountability.
People have urged higher authorities to introduce firm pricing mechanisms, enforce uniform rates across neighbourhoods, require visible rate displays, and launch decisive action against profiteering networks to ensure transparency and consumer protection.
