Ghee and Cooking Oil Shortage Averted as Port Clearance Issues Resolve

Karachi: The looming shortage of ghee and edible oil has been successfully averted following the resolution of clearance delays at Port Qasim. The backlog, which had sparked concerns about supply disruptions, has been cleared, ensuring a steady flow of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan.

For over a week, shipments of edible oil remained stranded at the port due to space constraints and technical issues, delaying the clearance process. This situation led to fears of an impending shortage, as 8 to 10 vessels carrying over 70,000 metric tonnes of palm oil waited in queues for unloading. The delay also imposed heavy demurrages and financial losses on importers, further aggravating the crisis.

However, after continuous efforts by customs officials, including Chief Collector Customs Jameel Nasir and Collector Port Qasim Nair Shafiq, the clearance process has resumed. Sheikh Umar Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, acknowledged the role of senior authorities in resolving the crisis, ensuring that ghee and edible oil supply remains uninterrupted during Ramadan.

The swift resolution of this issue highlights the importance of efficient port operations in maintaining a stable supply chain. While the crisis has been managed for now, industry experts stress the need for long-term solutions to prevent future disruptions in essential imports.

Published in The Gwadar Post, 14 Feb 2025