Tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have sharply disrupted supplies of food and fuel in Balochistan’s border districts, exposing fragile supply lines and driving up prices, The Balochistan Post reports. Districts along the Iran border in the Makran and Rakhshan divisions — including Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Chagai and Washuk — have long depended on cheaper, more accessible imports from Iran rather than distant Pakistani cities. Traders say recent border closures and Iranian export restrictions have drastically reduced movement of essential goods.
Ishaq Roshan Dashti, president of the Makran Traders Alliance, said about ’80 percent of the fuel and food consumed in the border belt originates from Iran.’ Prices began rising earlier this year after Iran imposed export taxes exceeding 30 percent amid domestic protests, and the current regional tensions have further collapsed cross-border trade. Iranian authorities have reportedly banned exports of some food products, tightening already constrained supplies.
Commodities including flour, cooking oil, milk, yoghurt, LPG, petrol and diesel are becoming scarce. Local markets show shortages and available stocks are being sold at much higher prices. In coastal districts such as Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni and Ormara, prices of Iranian food items have climbed by 30–40 percent. In Mashkel, a remote town in Washuk dependent on Iranian imports because of poor road links, LPG prices have nearly doubled to about 600 rupees per kilogram, while petrol, diesel and cooking oil have risen roughly 60–70 percent, a local trader, Khuda Dad, said.
The higher fuel costs are also hitting Gwadar’s fishing industry by raising operating expenses. Traders warn that if border closures and export curbs continue, many Balochistan districts could face severe shortages of essential goods. The Balochistan Post provided the reporting; the item was distributed via ANI.
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
