The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is disrupting supplies of fuel and food to several districts of Balochistan, pushing up prices and raising fears of shortages in border areas.
Areas along the border with Iran, particularly in the Makran and Rakhshan regions, including Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Chagai and Washuk, rely heavily on Iranian goods, which are cheaper and easier to access than supplies from other parts of Pakistan.
Local traders say the closure of border routes and restrictions on exports from Iran have sharply reduced the flow of essential commodities into the region.
Ishaq Roshan Dashti, president of the Makran Traders Alliance, said nearly 80% of fuel and food consumed in border areas depends on Iran.
He said Iranian goods had already become more expensive after Tehran imposed more than 30% tax on the export of food items following public protests earlier this year.
“Since the war began, border trade has almost stopped,” Dashti said, adding that the Iranian government has imposed a complete ban on the export of food items.
As a result, supplies of flour, cooking oil, milk, yogurt, LPG gas, petrol and diesel have been severely disrupted.
Traders say shortages have begun to emerge in local markets, while those who still have stock are selling goods at sharply higher prices.
Prices Rise by Up to 40%
In coastal districts including Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni and Ormara, prices of food items imported from Iran have risen by 30% to 40%, according to traders.
A similar situation has emerged in Mashkel, a remote border town in Washuk district located about 20–25 km from Iran.
Local trader Khuda Dad said Mashkel has historically depended on Iranian supplies because it lacks proper road connections with other parts of Pakistan.
He said prices of most goods have surged sharply over the past week.
The price of LPG gas has doubled to around 600 rupees per kilogram, while Iranian petrol, diesel and cooking oil have increased by 60% to 70%, he said.
Fuel Costs Hit Fishing Sector
Rising fuel prices are also affecting the fishing industry in Gwadar, where a large share of the population depends on the sector for their livelihoods.
Before the conflict, a 210-litre barrel of Iranian oil in Gwadar sold for 24,000–25,000 rupees, while petrol was available for around 110–120 rupees per litre.
Petrol prices have now risen to 180–200 rupees per litre, while in coastal towns such as Pasni and Ormara prices have reached 240 rupees per litre.
The price of a barrel of Iranian oil has also increased to around 36,000 rupees.
Fishermen say higher fuel prices have significantly increased the cost of operating fishing boats.
Behroz Baloch, a trader involved in Iranian fuel trade in Turbat, said fuel prices have surged within days.
“Four or five days ago Iranian fuel was selling for about 140 rupees per litre, but it has now increased to 200–220 rupees per litre,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nazeer Ahmed Barakzai, a trader at Hazarganji market in Quetta, said Iranian petrol that sold for 165–170 rupees per litre a week ago has risen to around 230 rupees per litre, while diesel has climbed to about 235 rupees per litre.
Traders warn that if supply routes remain closed for another week, border districts could face serious shortages of essential goods.