According to a press release from Pakistan’s Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA), flying schools across the country have suspended operations due to a lack of aviation petrol (AVGAS). Because of the shortage, the Edhi Air Ambulance has also been grounded.
AOOA CEO Imran Aslam has urged the government to allow the import of AVGAS. He warned that the shortage could force the closure of Pakistan’s general aviation. To discuss the issue, an emergency meeting was held with all flying schools.
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Aslam explained that oil marketing companies are unable to import fuel because the State Bank has not issued Letters of Credit (LCs). He also stated that the country produces 16 pilots per month, but that this is hampered by a fuel shortage. This could have an impact on the airline industry and result in job losses at flying schools.
Due to LC issues and the dollar exchange rate, the price of AVGAS has risen from Rs. 320 per litre to Rs. 1,145 per litre. The cost of pilot training has risen from Rs. 4.5 million to more than Rs. 10 million.
The association has demanded that flying schools be permitted to import AVGAS and that it be added to the list of essential import items. They have warned that if the shortage is not addressed, flying schools will close one by one.
