Petroleum dealers announce nationwide strike from tomorrow

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has declared that discussions with provincial and federal authorities, as well as other involved parties, have reached an impasse. Consequently, they have decided to proceed with a nationwide shutdown on July 5.

PPDA chairman Abdul Sami Khan expressed that despite being urged to call off the strike with promises of resolving the issue, they are unable to delay the strike based solely on verbal commitments.

He elaborated on meeting various government stakeholders, including unnamed individuals, in addition to the finance minister, chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority chief, petroleum secretary, and representatives of the oil marketing companies’ advisory council.

However, the concerns of the dealers have not been addressed. Mr. Khan emphasized that discussions with the government would not resume until the ‘unfair’ turnover tax was retracted.

He highlighted that the imposition of double taxation was not only unjust but also unconstitutional. Mr. Khan stated that over 13,000 petrol stations would cease operations from 6 am on July 5, with the strike potentially extending beyond that date if their demands are not met and acknowledged. He urged retail outlet owners and operators to maintain their stocks for July 4.