Tuesday, March 10, 2026 · Updated Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Quetta, Pakistan
In the bustling city of Quetta, Pakistan, a remarkable and intricate system of informal fuel distribution keeps daily life and commerce flowing. Far from the conventional gas stations seen in many parts of the world, Quetta operates on a network of makeshift refueling points, a testament to local ingenuity and the resilience of its community in managing essential resources. This unique urban logistics operation is a compelling aspect of the city's identity.
The image depicts an outdoor street scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, characterized by unpaved ground and multiple brick and concrete structures. In the foreground, a man, observed from behind, is seated on a red motorcycle. He wears a reddish-brown head covering and a light brown vest over a long-sleeved shirt. The motorcycle's rear is heavily loaded with three rectangular blue plastic jerry cans, two lighter blue (one with a yellow cap) and one darker blue, secured by straps.
To the right of the motorcycle, a man with a dark beard is seated on concrete steps or a low wall, facing towards the motorcycle driver. He wears a light-colored shawl draped over a light jacket and dark clothing, with his hands clasped. On the far left, the lower body of another individual in light-colored traditional attire is partially visible near a black motorcycle.
In the mid-background, another motorcycle heavily laden with blue jerry cans is visible on the unpaved road. The surrounding environment consists of various unpainted or light-colored brick and concrete buildings, some appearing aged or partially constructed, with one featuring a closed corrugated metal shutter. The ground is dirt and gravel, and the sky overhead is overcast.
One such scene unfolds on an unpaved road, where a dark blue car pulls up to a makeshift station. Here, a small building with a distinctive red overhang houses rows upon rows of blue and yellow plastic containers, each brimming with gasoline. A clear hose, connected from a container on a three-legged metal stand, efficiently transfers fuel into the car's tank. The air hums with activity as a man in traditional Afghan clothing converses on his cell phone, while a motorcyclist casually drives past, underscoring the everyday nature of this vital operation.
The video shows a person using a hose to fill a metal container. The person's right hand is holding the hose while their left hand is in the container, possibly to direct the flow of the liquid. The liquid appears dark and frothy as it is being poured. The container itself is round with a handle and is placed on top of another, larger metal container. In the background, there are multiple large plastic containers of various colors (blue, black, and grey) stacked around the metal containers. The ground appears to be dirt. Part of a sandal-clad foot is visible in the lower right corner of the frame.
Throughout the city, similar scenes play out. Men, often wearing headscarves and traditional attire, meticulously pour viscous, yellowish liquid from large silver metal containers into a myriad of green and blue plastic jerrycans. These containers, stacked high and scattered across dirt grounds, signify the scale of this mass distribution. Children are sometimes seen assisting, handing over jugs, highlighting the communal involvement in this essential service.
A person is pumping liquid from a hose into a metal container. The container is tarnished and sits on the ground next to other identical containers. The person stands next to the container in sandals and tan clothing, holding the hose in their hand. The ground appears to be bare dirt.
This image depicts a scene of liquid transfer in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan. A person, wearing a brown tunic and a gray headscarf covering the head and lower face, holds a large, tarnished metal funnel-shaped container with a wooden handle, tilting it to pour a yellowish, viscous liquid into an open, dark-colored plastic jerrycan. To the lower right, a second individual, wearing a light blue baseball cap and brown clothing, crouches near a plastic bin containing numerous red, yellow, and white plastic caps, handling small, clear plastic pieces. The ground is uneven dirt. In the background and surrounding the figures, dozens of plastic jerrycans, mostly blue and green, are stacked and scattered, many showing signs of wear and dirt. A third individual is partially visible in the far left background.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:20 AM
The process is often manual and hands-on, with individuals using hoses to fill containers, carefully capping each one. The dusty streets and utilitarian surroundings form the backdrop for this critical informal economy, where fuel is bought, sold, and distributed with a well-practiced rhythm. Against a backdrop of low mountain ranges and an often-overcast sky, Quetta's resilient population navigates its daily needs through this fascinating, self-organized system, offering a deep insight into the city's unique pulse.
An outdoor scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, depicts an informal liquid distribution point under an overcast sky. In the foreground and mid-ground, numerous rectangular plastic jerrycans are arranged on uneven ground. These containers vary in color, primarily blue, with additional black, pink, teal, and gray units, many featuring colored screw caps (red, orange). A prominent large, dark, possibly charred black jerrycan is stacked on other blue containers in the center.
An adult male, positioned right of center, is bent over, his hands resting on blue jerrycans. He wears a light brown or olive-drab long-sleeved tunic and wide-legged trousers. His face is turned left, displaying a broad smile or laugh. To the left, another adult male, partially visible from the torso down, wears similar attire and holds a coiled translucent yellow hose, suggesting the transfer of liquid. In the distant left-center background, a solitary dark-clad figure stands near a dark blue pickup truck. Additional vehicles are partially visible behind the main subject. The background features simple, light-colored buildings, some appearing unfinished or in disrepair, with power lines stretched across poles. Arid mountains are visible on the horizon under the gray, cloudy sky.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:24 AM
Several men and at least one child are gathered outdoors around a large number of blue plastic jugs. A man at the top of a short set of steps is using a long white hose to transfer liquid from a green jug to a blue jug. Another person is crouching to place a cap on one of the jugs. The child looks to be handing a blue jug to someone off screen. The street is dusty and the surroundings are utilitarian.
A video captures a large number of blue plastic containers, seemingly stacked outside on a dirt or gravel surface. The containers appear to be rectangular or slightly rounded, and many are stacked in neat rows. Several people are visible in the background, some standing and conversing near vehicles, while others are walking. The scene appears to be an outdoor setting, potentially a roadside or market area. The overall atmosphere suggests a possible transaction or storage of goods.
The video shows a dark blue car being refueled with gasoline at what appears to be a makeshift gas station. The car is parked next to a small building with a red overhang, filled with rows of blue and yellow plastic containers, presumably holding gasoline. A clear hose runs from the car's gas tank to a container on a three-legged metal stand, draped with a red cloth. Inside the building, a man in traditional Afghan clothing is talking on a cell phone. A second man on a motorcycle drives past. The setting appears to be a street in a somewhat rural or less developed area, with other buildings and vehicles visible in the background. The road is unpaved.
The scene depicts a street in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, characterized by a large accumulation of plastic jerrycans and several men.
In the foreground and midground, approximately 100-150 plastic jerrycans, predominantly blue, with some darker blue, black, and lighter teal variations, are stacked in multiple rows and layers on an unpaved dirt surface. Most jerrycans are 20-25 liter capacity and feature screw-top caps, visible in colors such as red, yellow, and white. The containers show signs of wear, dust, and environmental exposure.
Seven adult males are visible in the midground.
On the left side, one man in a light brown shalwar kameez and a dark head covering is holding a yellow hose, which extends into a dark bucket on the ground, suggesting a liquid transfer operation. Behind him, two men are standing; one in a light blue shalwar kameez with his back to the camera, and another in a grey shalwar kameez. They appear to be engaged in conversation.
On the right side, four men are gathered near a parked vehicle. One man wears a dark shalwar kameez and a checkered scarf as a head covering, smiling and looking towards another man in a brown shalwar kameez. A third man in a dark jacket or coat is visible between them, and a fourth man is partially obscured further to the right. These individuals also appear to be interacting.
Behind the individuals and containers, the environment includes multiple vehicles and buildings. A dark-colored SUV (possibly a Suzuki Jimny) with a roof rack is parked on the left. A light-colored passenger van (possibly a Suzuki Bolan) with a roof rack is parked on the right. The buildings lining the street are multi-story, constructed of brick and concrete, with some featuring roll-down metal shutters indicative of commercial establishments. One building on the far left has painted script or graffiti on its facade. The ground is unpaved and dusty, with some scattered debris. In the far background, mountains are visible under an overcast sky.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:25 AM
The image depicts an outdoor street scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, characterized by unpaved ground and multiple brick and concrete structures. In the foreground, a man, observed from behind, is seated on a red motorcycle. He wears a reddish-brown head covering and a light brown vest over a long-sleeved shirt. The motorcycle's rear is heavily loaded with three rectangular blue plastic jerry cans, two lighter blue (one with a yellow cap) and one darker blue, secured by straps.
To the right of the motorcycle, a man with a dark beard is seated on concrete steps or a low wall, facing towards the motorcycle driver. He wears a light-colored shawl draped over a light jacket and dark clothing, with his hands clasped. On the far left, the lower body of another individual in light-colored traditional attire is partially visible near a black motorcycle.
In the mid-background, another motorcycle heavily laden with blue jerry cans is visible on the unpaved road. The surrounding environment consists of various unpainted or light-colored brick and concrete buildings, some appearing aged or partially constructed, with one featuring a closed corrugated metal shutter. The ground is dirt and gravel, and the sky overhead is overcast.
An outdoor scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, depicts an active water distribution or collection point. Approximately nine males are present. In the foreground and mid-ground, hundreds of blue, light blue, and grey plastic jerrycans, ranging from 20 to 25 liters capacity, are arranged on unpaved, dusty ground, with many stacked. The jerrycans feature various colored caps including red, green, white, and yellow, and show signs of wear and dirt.
On a raised concrete platform to the left, four males are observed: one adult in brown traditional attire and a dark head covering; one adult in a light blue shalwar kameez; one male in brown attire lifting a blue jerrycan; and a boy in a light blue shalwar kameez walking left.
On the lower ground level, five males are positioned. One adult in brown clothing and a grey head covering holds a black container. Another adult in a light blue shalwar kameez stands with hands behind his back. A third adult in brown clothing is bent over, actively filling a black container with a dark hose that appears to originate from an elevated source near a building. A boy in a cap and light brown clothing is also bent over, handling a blue jerrycan.
Behind the individuals, two ground-floor buildings are visible. The left building features a reddish-brown wooden door with locks, a partially open metal shutter, and concrete walls with some writing, including a partial phone number "030029...". The right building has a closed, corrugated metal shutter. To the far right, a dark blue compact SUV with a roof rack is parked on a higher concrete level. The lighting is diffused, indicating daytime conditions.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:25 AM
The video shows a person using a hose to fill a metal container. The person's right hand is holding the hose while their left hand is in the container, possibly to direct the flow of the liquid. The liquid appears dark and frothy as it is being poured. The container itself is round with a handle and is placed on top of another, larger metal container. In the background, there are multiple large plastic containers of various colors (blue, black, and grey) stacked around the metal containers. The ground appears to be dirt. Part of a sandal-clad foot is visible in the lower right corner of the frame.
In a dusty outdoor scene, a group of men and a young boy are gathered around a large collection of blue and green plastic containers. The containers are stacked on the ground in the foreground. Several men are on the steps of a building, some carrying or pouring from additional containers. The building has a partially closed, faded red door and a small, possibly decorative design. A young boy is sitting on the steps, watching the activity. The overall environment is somewhat rundown, and the scene suggests a communal effort, possibly related to water or fuel distribution.
A person is pumping liquid from a hose into a metal container. The container is tarnished and sits on the ground next to other identical containers. The person stands next to the container in sandals and tan clothing, holding the hose in their hand. The ground appears to be bare dirt.
The video depicts a scene in an outdoor setting, seemingly a street or marketplace. There are three individuals present; one in a brown tunic and head covering is near a large stack of blue and green jerry cans. Another person, perhaps a child, also stands near the containers. A third individual walks past on the right. They are also dressed in a brown tunic and head covering. There's a collection of metal jugs and a hose near the stack of jerry cans. In the background, there are buildings with shops, people sitting or standing, and a motorcycle parked. An auto-rickshaw is visible on the right side of the frame. The ground is uneven and sandy.
This image depicts a scene of liquid transfer in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan. A person, wearing a brown tunic and a gray headscarf covering the head and lower face, holds a large, tarnished metal funnel-shaped container with a wooden handle, tilting it to pour a yellowish, viscous liquid into an open, dark-colored plastic jerrycan. To the lower right, a second individual, wearing a light blue baseball cap and brown clothing, crouches near a plastic bin containing numerous red, yellow, and white plastic caps, handling small, clear plastic pieces. The ground is uneven dirt. In the background and surrounding the figures, dozens of plastic jerrycans, mostly blue and green, are stacked and scattered, many showing signs of wear and dirt. A third individual is partially visible in the far left background.
This image depicts an outdoor scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, characterized by a dusty, unpaved ground surface and multiple concrete and brick buildings under an overcast sky, with mountains visible in the distance. In the foreground, hundreds of blue, green, and black plastic jerry cans are stacked in large piles. A liquid transfer operation is active, evidenced by metal funnels, hoses, and an array of jerry cans, some appearing full, others empty.
Three individuals are prominent in the immediate foreground: a male wearing a black sleeveless vest over a light-colored shalwar kameez and sandals, with his back partially to the viewer; another male in brown attire with a head covering, walking away from the viewer; and a younger male in a blue cap and brown shalwar kameez, holding an empty black jerry can. Nearby, a hose extends from a stack of jerry cans to a large metal funnel.
In the mid-ground, more individuals are gathered around the extensive stacks of jerry cans. Further into the background, a building with two red-shuttered storefronts and concrete steps leading up to it is visible. A red motorcycle is parked at the base of these steps. Other individuals are seen inside or near these shops, including one in a light blue garment. To the right, a yellow auto-rickshaw is parked, and additional people and vehicles are present further in the background amidst other buildings of varied construction. The overall environment suggests a bustling commercial or distribution point.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:29 AM
A medium shot shows a man in traditional Afghan clothing removing the lid from a metal drum. He is bare-footed and has his head and face partially covered. The lid has a cross shape stamped on it. Behind him are many large blue plastic containers. To the right of the man, another man in a vest and dress shirt is looking at his phone. In the background is a yellow three-wheeled vehicle and other people moving about on a dusty street. Buildings are visible on either side of the street, with mountains in the far distance.
The video shows a group of people outdoors. There are three males in the shot. A young boy wearing a cap and coveralls is using a metal bucket and a white plastic bag, possibly as a filter, to pour liquid from the bucket into one of the many blue plastic containers surrounding them. Another man, wearing a head covering and similar work clothes, is standing behind the boy. A third man, wearing a baseball cap, a light-colored tunic, and a black vest, stands nearby, observing with a smile on his face. A vehicle is partially visible in the background. The environment appears to be a storage or work area with numerous containers. The sky is overcast.
A man wearing a headscarf and a light brown outfit is pouring liquid from a silver metal container into a green plastic container on top of a stack of several other containers of various colors. Several other men are standing nearby. A light colored minivan is in the background. The setting appears to be outdoors, with a low mountain range visible in the distance under an overcast sky.
The image portrays an outdoor scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, featuring multiple individuals, numerous plastic containers, and vehicles on unpaved ground. In the foreground, hundreds of blue and grey/black plastic jerry cans are densely arranged, some stacked, with various colored caps (red, green, orange, blue, yellow). One blue jerry can prominently displays a white label with "PuraOxide" and hazard symbols. A silver metal milk churn is positioned among these containers.
Two men are visible in the left foreground. One man, wearing a light brown shalwar kameez, dark vest, and light cap, stands observant. The second man, dressed in a light brown shalwar kameez and a grey head covering, is bent over, actively pouring liquid from a yellow hose into the metal milk churn.
In the mid-ground, a dark grey Toyota van is parked. Behind it, a dark pickup truck equipped with a black cargo cage is discernible. To the right, a white truck with a silver cylindrical tanker body is stationary. A third man, wearing a dark brown shalwar kameez, walks from right to left in this area.
The background consists of further vehicles, multi-story concrete and brick buildings, some appearing unfinished or in disrepair, and barren mountains under an overcast sky. Overhead power lines traverse the scene.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:32 AM
In Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, an outdoor scene on an unpaved, dusty ground depicts a male individual, appearing youthful, wearing a brown tunic (shalwar kameez) and a grey head covering, actively pouring a yellowish liquid from a tarnished metal kettle-like container into a dark, large plastic container. Numerous blue, green, and grey plastic jerrycans, many with red, green, or orange caps, are stacked and arranged on the ground around him. Behind the primary individual, a second male in a dark garment and light-colored baseball cap is partially visible, standing next to a dark grey van. In the background, a dark grey Toyota pickup truck with a bed rack and several white vehicles are parked on the dirt road. Low-rise, light-colored buildings are visible in the mid-ground, with barren mountains under an overcast sky forming the distant horizon.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:33 AM
A person on a motorcycle, viewed from behind, is observed traveling down an unpaved road in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan. The individual is wearing a camouflage jacket and a light brown head covering. The motorcycle is heavily laden with two large blue plastic barrels, one secured to each side of the rear, along with additional items including a small bag labeled "UNIQUE" on the rear fender.
In the midground, on the left side of the road, several men are present, including one in a light brown garment standing near a white parked or stationary vehicle. Further down the road, additional individuals and motorcycles are visible. On the right side of the road, a dark-colored pickup truck with a utility cage over its bed is parked, followed by a larger white tanker truck.
The background features additional low-rise buildings lining the dusty street, which extends towards a distant range of barren, rocky mountains under an overcast sky. The overall scene depicts a functional street environment with vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:33 AM
The video shows a man in a light-green shalwar kameez standing in the bed of a blue Toyota pickup truck, loading a green plastic jug onto the top layer of a cargo of similar blue and green jugs. The truck bed is fitted with a dark metal cage. The man is standing on the upper layer of containers to add the additional jug. Another man in a dark vest and light shalwar kameez stands on the ground and looks at his phone while leaning against the truck. A three-wheeled vehicle with "BAZAAR" painted on its side is parked in front of the truck. A third man, wearing a brown hooded shawl stands next to a white vehicle in the foreground. In the background, a mountain range can be seen along with a series of brick buildings. The sky is overcast.
The image captures a street scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan, under an overcast sky. In the foreground, a man with a beard, wearing a maroon shalwar kameez and white sneakers, rides a red motorcycle. The motorcycle is equipped with two large, light-brown rectangular jerry cans attached to its left side/rear, and two blue rectangular jerry cans stacked on its rear rack. Partially visible in the lower right foreground is a hand, wearing a brown vest, holding a black smartphone.
To the right midground, a two-story building with a red facade houses shops. One shop, with its metal shutter partially open, displays numerous stacked blue and yellow plastic jerry cans within its interior. Inside this shop, a man in a light blue shalwar kameez and dark blue vest is seen from behind, attending to the containers. Standing on steps outside the shop, to the right, is another man in a black shalwar kameez and head covering, appearing to be speaking on a phone. A dark blue Toyota Corolla sedan (Sindh license plate AWY-777) is parked in front of this shop, with its fuel cap open.
The background to the left reveals a street extending into the distance, flanked by multi-story buildings with varied construction and color schemes, some featuring green window frames. Several individuals and other vehicles, including brightly colored three-wheeled transports, are visible further along the street. The road surface is unpaved and textured. Distant hills or mountains are present on the horizon.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:38 AM
The image captures an outdoor street scene in Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan. A dark blue Toyota Corolla sedan, bearing license plate "AWY-777 Sindh," is parked on a dirt and gravel surface. The vehicle is being refueled via an improvised setup: a yellow hose connects its open fuel tank aperture to a metal funnel-like container positioned on a three-legged metal stand. The top of the container is partially covered by a red cloth.
In the background, a red-painted concrete building features two shop fronts with closed or partially open red roll-down metal shutters. Inside the left shop's doorway, a man in a light blue shalwar kameez and dark blue waistcoat stands, holding a smartphone to his right ear. Both shops contain stacked blue and yellow plastic liquid containers. A second man, wearing light brown attire, is partially visible inside the right shop. To the far left, two men are seated on steps near a partially visible decorated truck. Distant buildings and mountains are visible under an overcast sky.
Quetta City Tehsil, Pakistan · Mar 10, 2026, 7:38 AM
The video shows a blue pickup truck traveling on a dirt road in what appears to be a small town or village. The truck is heavily loaded with a large number of containers or canisters, stacked high and secured with a metal frame. Several other vehicles, including a silver minivan and a white car, are parked nearby. The buildings in the background appear to be made of brick or concrete, and the sky is overcast. People are walking and riding motorcycles on the street. The overall impression is a busy, dusty environment with a focus on transportation and possibly commerce.
