Fuel availability in Pakýstan
 

We've heard reports that official fuel stations ýn Pakistan only sell diesel and that petrol has to be smuggled over the Afghan border (somewhat tricky at the moment). Can anyone confirm this and if so where specifically do you get hold of petrol? Also any info on the recent fuel availability situation would be most useful.
Many Thanks

Travelled in pakistin this spring. Fuel was easy obtaneable between qetta and the iranian border, just look for containers along the road. Up in the mountains we had some difficulties with finding petrol. With a range 300-360 km a tank we started asking for petrol at gas station after 150 km, and we had to ask quite a few.
Then again in the lowland petrol was no problem. Carry some extra fuel and have a inline fuel filter!!
We paid 30rs/l then for iranian smugeled petrol 15rs/l

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Hi. We travelled through Pakistan in August. Our route was Lahore - Multan - Sukur - Quetta - Taftan. We had no problem with getting petrol anywhere. Between Quetta and Taftan we had to use the black market and there were plenty of people selling smuggled Iranian petrol on that route. We bought petrol at Nushki, Dalbadin and Nakudi (excuse incorrect spelling) so theres no need to be concerned about availability. However some of the fuel is diluted/dirty so its a good idea to fill up more frequently than normal and replace/clean your fuel filter after passing through baluchistan.

Stephan and Chenda

Hello Lisa,
back in 1999, we knew from an Australian/German biker coming from the opposite direction (we came from Iran) that fuel in Pakistan was mixed with alcohol (methanol?) every once in a while. He had it twice and suffered engine problems with his XT600 as a consequence ("pinging"). He also said you can smell it in the fuel - which he did after learning about this 'saving trick'.
The trick was more common in lowland Pakistan, especially Baluchistan. I wouldn't expect it anywhere between Quetta and the Iranian border (low cost smuggled fuel) but anything beyond. Just a matter of paying attention, I'd say.
(it seems simular 'habits' occur left and right in South-America)

Wish you good travelling in Pakistan (we'll be there in May/June 2002).

Trui

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Iris and Trui
2 belgian women, usually travelling on bikes (now on DR650SE's)