Petrol Pump Owners Split Over Strike After Government Talks
3 days ago
At a glance
- Petrol pump owners are split over a nationwide strike.
- One faction postponed its strike after government assurances regarding pricing and margins.
- Another faction insists on continuing the strike over demands for commission and an end to supply quotas.
Story so far
The Petrol Pump Owners & Dealers Association initially postponed a nationwide strike, but a faction of the All Pakistan Petroleum Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) initiated closures in major cities, citing issues with the daily petroleum pricing mechanism and thin dealer margins. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged government intervention due to potential economic disruption. Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had previously announced an increase in dealer margins to Rs9.63. Recent reports indicate a split within the association, with one group deferring its strike after government assurances, while another insists on continuing its protest over unresolved demands.
Latest development
The government has reportedly divided the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association, with one faction postponing its strike for two weeks after receiving assurances on daily pricing and dealer margins. However, another faction insists on continuing the strike, claiming talks failed.
Latest updates
The government has reportedly succeeded in dividing the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association (APPPOA). One group announced the postponement of its strike for two weeks following assurances from the Petroleum Minister. The minister promised a two-week trial period for the daily petroleum pricing mechanism and a subsequent review of its merits and demerits. Additionally, the government assured an increase in dealer margins, which have remained unchanged since 2022.
However, the chairman and vice chairman of the same association maintained that talks had failed and vowed to proceed with the strike from midnight, sharing footage of closed petrol pumps. Dealers are demanding an 8% commission, which would amount to approximately Rs25 per litre, and an end to supply quotas imposed by oil marketing companies.
The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) has announced a nationwide protest against the government’s daily petroleum pricing mechanism. This policy is creating uncertainty for consumers, transporters, and businesses, making it difficult to estimate costs and contributing to inflation. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has urged the federal government to immediately engage with petroleum dealers for meaningful consultation following their announcement of an indefinite nationwide strike. The LCCI highlighted that any disruption in fuel supplies would severely impact transportation, logistics, trade, industry, agriculture, and daily economic activity, further challenging businesses already struggling with inflation, rising utility tariffs, and declining consumer purchasing power.
Reports indicate that successful talks have been held between the government and the Petrol Pump Owners & Dealers Association, raising hopes for a resolution to the ongoing strike.
Reports indicate that no deal has been reached with the government regarding the petrol pump strike, leading to petrol pumps closing from 12 AM.
Reports indicate that petrol pumps will now shut at night despite ongoing talks between the government and the Petrol Pump Owners & Dealers Association. Meanwhile, PTI's Rana Atif has reacted to the petrol strike, criticizing government policies regarding the fuel crisis.
The Petrol Pump Owners & Dealers Association has announced the postponement of its nationwide strike.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has announced that the dealer margin for petrol pump owners will be increased to Rs9.63, stating that the government will secure their rights. Meanwhile, petrol pumps remain closed in several cities with no specified reopening date.
Responses