A significant shortage of ghee and cooking oil is expected to hit Pakistan soon, as the import of edible oils has been delayed for over a week due to severe congestion at port terminals. With a growing backlog of shipments, this crisis could soon impact both the availability and price of these essential kitchen staples.

According to Sheikh Omar Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vegetable Manufacturers Association (PVMA), shipments are stuck at port terminals due to lack of space for unloading. Cargo ships are queued up at the harbor, unable to disembark their consignments, which has compounded the issue.

The delays in customs clearance are not only leading to rising costs for the manufacturers but also to significant penalties and damages due to the extended time the shipments are held up. As a result, the price of edible oils, including ghee and cooking oil, is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

In addition, the temporary shutdown of customs software has worsened the situation, causing billions of rupees in losses. Rehan warns that unless this issue is addressed swiftly, Pakistan will face a severe shortage of ghee and cooking oil, which could disrupt both household consumption and the food industry.

The situation calls for urgent intervention from authorities to clear the backlog, resolve the customs software issues, and ease port congestion to ensure the timely arrival of edible oils into the country. Without quick action, consumers across Pakistan may soon find themselves grappling with empty shelves and soaring prices.