Fuel Price Panic in Pakistan Turns Deadly: Pump Worker Shot

A tragic incident in Sialkot has exposed the growing tension caused by the country’s fuel crisis. The violence took place at a petrol station on Daska Road in the Hajipura area after a sudden surge in fuel prices triggered panic buying across the country.

According to police, a group of customers demanded that petrol pump workers fill fuel into jerry cans after refueling their vehicle. However, the staff refused, citing government rules that prohibit filling fuel in containers to prevent hoarding during shortages.

The refusal led to a heated argument, and the men left the station after threatening the employees. Nearly an hour later, they reportedly returned with armed accomplices and attacked the workers, opening fire during the confrontation.

Three pump employees were seriously injured in the shooting, and one of them, 25-year-old Muhammad Sibtain, later died from his injuries while being taken to the hospital. Police registered a murder case and arrested the main suspect, while search operations are ongoing to capture the remaining attackers. The incident occurred amid widespread panic buying across Pakistan after the government increased petrol and diesel prices by around PKR 55 per litre, pushing petrol prices to more than PKR 320 per litre.

Long queues outside fuel stations and fears of shortages have been reported in several cities, reflecting growing public frustration. Authorities have warned citizens against hoarding fuel and said the situation is under close watch, but the deadly attack has highlighted how rising prices and economic pressure are escalating tensions on the ground.