Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sparked debate on Tuesday after claiming that India was facing a fuel shortage while Pakistan was not, amid continuing concerns over the impact of the West Asia conflict on global energy markets.
In a video shared widely on social media, Naqvi said, “There is a fuel shortage in India; people are standing in lines for fuel there. We don't have a fuel shortage.” The remarks were made during an interaction with reporters during a cricket match, with rows of unoccupied seats visible in the background at the stadium as citizens are reportedly advised by the Pakistani government to avoid commuting to save fuel.
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Pakistan's effort is to establish peace. There is a petrol shortage in India, whereas there is no such issue in Pakistan. I will request the Prime Minister to allow spectators to attend the PSL matches." Mohsin Naqvi Chairman PCB#Pakistán #Cricket #PakistanShapesPeace #india pic.twitter.com/oxEJV9MvLY
— Ali Hasan ???? (@AaliHasan10) April 13, 2026
Earlier, Pakistan's Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has said that the country is left with only about 28 days of diesel stocks, crude oil reserves for 10 days, and LPG supplies for about 15 days.
The statement has also drawn attention because it comes weeks after Naqvi had himself cited fuel constraints in Pakistan while announcing changes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) schedule.
In March, he said PSL 2026 would be held without spectators and restricted to Lahore and Karachi, describing the move as part of efforts to reduce travel and conserve fuel during a period of regional uncertainty.
Reports from Pakistan in recent weeks have also indicated pressure in the domestic fuel market, though officials have denied any nationwide supply breakdown.
Not sure about the petrol comparison bro, but fans in stadiums is what cricket needs right now.
— Talha Mirza (@TalhaOnTrade) April 13, 2026
Reuters reported in March that Pakistan raised petrol and diesel prices following a spike in global crude prices linked to the West Asia crisis. The report also noted long queues at some filling stations in cities including Lahore and Karachi, while the petroleum minister said adequate reserves were available and urged citizens not to hoard fuel.
Meanwhile, in India, government officials have maintained that fuel supplies remain stable. Earlier statements from New Delhi said refineries were operating at high capacity and that sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel and cooking gas were available despite volatility in international markets.
As a Pakistani I can't defend myself anymore,lanat he bhayi patwarion ko, India me tu ek rupee bhi ni badha petrol, yaha loadshedding ho rahi
— pinkman (@RoomCard113214) April 14, 2026
“All 1 lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across the country are open and dispensing fuel without interruption. Not a single outlet has been asked to ration supply. Every Indian refinery is running at over 100% utilisation. Crude oil supplies for next 60 days have already been tied up by Indian Oil companies. There is NO supply gap,” the ministry said in a release.
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Moreover, social media users also responded to Naqvi's remarks, with some comments focusing on cricket attendance rather than the fuel comparison. One widely shared response said, “Fans in stadiums is what cricket needs right now.” Another post referred to electricity, gas and internet disruptions in Pakistan, while a separate comment sarcastically mocked that there is fuel crisis, yet Indian fans are reaching in bulk to watch IPL.
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