Fuel and food deliveries to various parts of Balochistan in Pakistan have been disturbed due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US. This disruption has led to price hikes and concerns about shortages in border regions, as per local reports. Regions in Pakistan bordering Iran, such as Makran and Rakshana areas including Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Chagai, and Washuk, heavily rely on Iranian goods due to their affordability and easy availability, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post.
Local traders have noted a significant impact on the region due to the border closure and export restrictions imposed by Iran. Makran Traders Alliance President Ishaq Roshan Dashti mentioned that approximately 80% of the fuel and food supply in border areas is dependent on Iran. The closure of the border has led to a decrease in the flow of essential goods into the region, affecting the availability and affordability of commodities.
The conflict has resulted in Iranian products becoming more expensive, with Iran imposing a tax of over 30% on food exports following protests earlier this year. As a consequence, the Iranian government has banned the export of food items, causing disruptions in the supply chain of essential goods like flour, cooking oil, milk, yoghurt, LPG gas, petrol, and diesel. This has led to shortages in local markets, prompting those with existing stocks to sell products at higher prices.
In coastal districts like Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, and Ormara, prices of food items have surged by 30% to 40%. Similarly, Mashkel, which heavily relies on Iranian products due to inadequate road connections with other Pakistani regions, has witnessed a sharp increase in the prices of various goods over the past week. For instance, the cost of LPG gas has doubled to around PKR 600 per kg, while diesel and cooking oil rates have risen by 60% to 70%, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
The escalating fuel prices are also impacting the fishing industry in Gwadar, where many livelihoods are tied to this sector. The conflict in West Asia began with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, targeting Tehran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure. The subsequent retaliation from Iran, including drone and missile attacks on US assets and regional allies, has further intensified the situation in the region.
