Petrol stations across Pakistan are set to remain closed on Saturday, August 15, 2026, after negotiations between petroleum dealers and the government failed to resolve their concerns over the new fuel pricing mechanism and dealers’ margins.
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Representatives of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) held talks with the Ministry of Petroleum on Wednesday, August 12. The meeting, led by Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, continued for around five hours but ended without a breakthrough.
Following the unsuccessful negotiations, petroleum dealers maintained their decision to close petrol stations nationwide on August 15.
The association had earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding action on their concerns regarding the daily adjustment mechanism for petroleum prices.
Media reports stated that the petroleum minister expressed dissatisfaction with the dealers’ ultimatum during Wednesday’s meeting.
According to the dealers, the government was unwilling to withdraw or modify the daily petrol price adjustment system.
Dealers seek increase in margins
The dealers also raised concerns over their profit margins under the new pricing mechanism.
According to the association, the government agreed to consider an increase of Rs1.34 per litre in dealers’ margins.
Also Read: Petrol, HSD prices unchanged as Pakistan shifts to daily fuel pricing mechanism
However, any increase would require approval from the federal cabinet, meaning the proposal could not be implemented immediately.
The dealers have maintained that the existing margin structure does not adequately cover their increasing operational costs.
Talks end without agreement
Despite the lengthy negotiations, no agreement was reached between the two sides.
Following the meeting, the dealers’ delegation decided to return to Karachi and called an emergency meeting of its executive committee to determine the next course of action.
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The association said the nationwide closure planned for Saturday remains in place.
It added that the final strategy regarding the strike would be decided during the emergency meeting.
What happens next?
Unless a breakthrough is reached before Saturday, petrol stations across Pakistan are expected to close from August 15, potentially disrupting fuel supplies and causing difficulties for motorists, transporters and businesses.
The government and petroleum dealers still have an opportunity to reach an agreement before the planned shutdown. The key issues remain the daily fuel price adjustment mechanism and dealers’ margins.
