KARACHI: Petroleum dealers have postponed their planned nationwide strike, citing concerns over a potential fuel supply crisis triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on global oil markets.
Chairperson of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, Abdul Sami Khan, said the decision was taken to avoid further hardship for consumers amid rising uncertainty.
“We have postponed the strike, keeping in view the difficulties people may face if the conflict escalates and disrupts fuel supply chains,” he stated, adding that no new date has been finalized due to the volatile situation.
The association had earlier announced the strike on March 13, giving the government until March 26 to increase dealers’ margin from 2.59 percent to 8 percent, following a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices.
Abdul Sami Khan noted that although the Economic Coordination Committee had recommended a margin increase prior to the price hike, its implementation was reportedly put on hold, leaving dealers’ margins unchanged.
He added that, so far, there is no severe shortage of petroleum products, as oil marketing companies are supplying adequate quantities.
Commenting on reports of a proposed mobile app-based fuel quota system targeting low-income users and smaller vehicles, he said petroleum dealers had not been consulted on the initiative.
Story by Aamir Shafaat Khan
