The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has announced a nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps starting March 27 if the government fails to approve its demands regarding dealer margins.
Leaders of the association, including Abdul Sami Khan, Ameer Khan Mehsud, and Tariq Hassan, made the announcement during a press conference on Friday.
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They said the government recently increased petrol prices but the benefits were largely passed on to Oil Marketing Companies, while the profit margin for petrol pump dealers remained unchanged.
According to the association, dealers are currently facing financial losses due to rising operational costs. They demanded an immediate increase in dealer margins to sustain their businesses.
Supply May Stop From March 26 Night
Ameer Khan Mehsud, president of the association’s Sindh chapter, warned that if the government does not approve the increase in margins, fuel supply to petrol pumps could be halted from the night of March 26.
He said dealers cannot continue operating at a loss and may stop purchasing fuel supplies if their demands are ignored.
Dealers Warn of Stronger Protest
During the press conference, Abdul Sami Khan said the association would adopt a stronger stance if negotiations with the government fail.
He stated that repeated increases in petroleum levy and fuel prices have created serious financial pressure on both the public and petrol pump dealers.
Concerns Over Fuel Supply
The association also claimed that some Oil Marketing Companies have imposed restrictions on the supply of petroleum products, a practice referred to as “capping.” Dealers said this has already led to shortages in some areas where petrol pumps have temporarily run dry.
Ameer Khan Mehsud also expressed concern that the government could increase fuel prices by up to Rs50 per litre in the next price revision, which could worsen the situation.
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Fuel prices in Pakistan are revised every fortnight based on global oil prices and government taxes in Pakistan.
Petrol pump dealers often demand higher margins to cover operational costs such as electricity, salaries, and maintenance.
In the past, similar disputes between the government and dealers have led to temporary petrol pump closures and fuel supply disruptions across the country.
