KARACHI: Pakistan’s petroleum retail sector is divided over a proposed nationwide strike, with one dealers’ body announcing an indefinite shutdown while another says it will decide its course of action after consulting members.
The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has called for an indefinite nationwide strike to press the government to accept its demands.
However, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has not endorsed the strike and says a final decision will be made after its Central Committee meeting in Karachi on Wednesday.
The differing positions have created uncertainty over the scale of any potential shutdown, as dealer groups remain divided on whether closing fuel stations is the appropriate strategy to secure improved financial margins.
PPDA Vice President Tariq Hassan said the government had assured the association that its concerns would be addressed and had requested one week’s time to obtain approval from the Prime Minister.
“The Petrol Pump Owners Association announced the strike without consulting us. We have not decided to join the strike so far and will take a final decision after discussing all issues at today’s meeting,” Hassan said.
He added that recent talks with the government were constructive, with officials agreeing in principle to the dealers’ demands while seeking additional time to complete the approval process.
According to Hassan, the association’s key demands include an increase in dealers’ sales commission and restoration of the previous fuel pricing mechanism. He expressed hope that the issues could be resolved through dialogue, avoiding disruption to fuel supplies across the country.
