- OMCs promote fossil fuel use, worsening climate change and threatening long-term public health in Pakistan
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) play an essential role in energy sector of Pakistan. As key players responsible for importing, storing, distributing, and selling petroleum products, these companies drive substantial reliance of the country on fossil fuels. Their economic contributions are undoubtedly significant but the environmental and health consequences of their activities remain under-discussed. A major concern regarding OMCs is their contribution to climate change and, consequently, to the long-term deterioration of public health in Pakistan.
Climate change, mostly fueled by greenhouse gas emissions from petrol and diesel consumption, is no longer a distant or abstract threat. Petrol and diesel vehicles are major contributors to air pollution, spewing out noxious gases including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
According to a recent study, almost all Pakistanis live in areas where average levels of particulate air pollution far exceed the guidelines set by WHO. The Particulate air pollution, also known as particle pollution or particulate matter (PM), refers to a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. The main cause of PM is the above-mentioned gases from produced by the vehicles. Findings of another study reveal that over 128,000 deaths occur in Pakistan due to air pollution illnesses.
Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, is among the most vulnerable countries to its adverse effects. OMCs, by promoting and facilitating widespread fossil fuel use, indirectly exacerbate this vulnerability. Their operations involve large-scale storage and handling of fuels. Petrol pumps release volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to smog and ozone formation. Moreover, their marketing strategies promote higher consumption of petroleum products, further locking the country into a carbon-intensive energy system.
The public health implications of climate change induced by fossil fuel use are complex and severe. One of the most immediate bearings is the increase in heat-related illnesses. Pakistan has experienced record-breaking heatwaves in recent years, leading to rising cases of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration-related complications. The elderly, children, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable. As temperatures continue to climb, mortality rates are expected to rise, placing an enormous stress on hospitals and emergency services.
Beyond heat, climate change affects the spread and intensity of vector-borne and infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for mosquitoes and other vectors, leading to more frequent outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and other infections. In urban slum areas and rural areas with inadequate cleanliness, these diseases spread rapidly, increasing morbidity and mortality.
Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are also on the rise, exacerbated by higher levels of air pollution partly attributable to fossil fuel combustion. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, both linked to vehicle and industrial emissions, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart attacks. Major cities in Pakistan, including Karachi and Lahore, record air quality indices in the “hazardous” range, posing significant health risks to millions of inhabitants.
Climate change also threatens food and water security. Erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods, damage crops and reduce agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and malnutrition, especially among children. Contaminated water sources during floods contribute to outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and other waterborne illnesses, further burdening an already overstretched healthcare system.
Mental health effects, though less visible, are equally significant. Displacement due to flooding, loss of livelihoods, and chronic uncertainty about the future contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Vulnerable communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture or living in low-lying coastal areas, are at greater risk of psychological distress.
The collective effect of these health issues is a substantial economic burden. Rising disease prevalence increases healthcare costs and reduces workforce productivity. In a country where public health funding is already insufficient, this can lead to further declines in the quality of care and accessibility of health services. The economic costs of climate change-related health impacts in the country are expected to run into billions of dollars annually in the coming decades.
Despite these alarming realities, regulatory frameworks governing OMC emissions and their contributions to climate change remain weak. Environmental audits are superficial, and penalties for non-compliance are minimal or poorly enforced. There is an urgent need for stronger policies that hold OMCs accountable for their environmental footprint. Strategies could include mandatory emissions reporting and investment in cleaner fuel alternatives. OMCs must be incentivized to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. This could involve expanding electric vehicle charging networks, promoting biofuels, and supporting solar and wind projects. Diversifying their business models and embracing clean energy solutions, OMCs can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and protecting public health.
OMCs in Pakistan, while critical to the nation’s energy security, significantly contribute to climate change, whichposes severe and long-term public health risks. Addressing this complex challenge requires a coordinated effort involving government regulation, corporate accountability, and public awareness.
The writer is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University