Pakistans Petroleum Dealers Association Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Government
Karachi, August 12: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government. They claim the government has failed to fulfill promises made by the Petroleum Minister, particularly regarding an eight percent margin increase on retail petrol prices.
The association has warned that if their demands are not met within the stipulated time, petrol pumps across the country will shut down indefinitely starting Saturday, August 15, at 6 AM. They will remain closed until their demands are addressed.
According to the prominent Pakistani daily, Dawn, PPDA President Malik Khuda Bakhsh stated in a press conference with senior officials that if the government does not comply, petroleum dealers will be unable to continue their business.
Malik explained that the decision to demand an eight percent margin on petrol was made after a meeting with dealers nationwide. Frustration among the dealers had reached a boiling point, with over 14,000 members urging the association to pressure the government. This led to the warning of a nationwide shutdown starting August 15.
On August 7, the PPDA Chairman had presented retail price complaints from petroleum dealers and association members to Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik.
He noted that while the association was considering a nationwide strike, the minister requested them to postpone their proposed action, assuring that the issues would be reviewed and resolved within two weeks.
The association informed the federal minister that the daily pricing mechanism has created serious operational and financial challenges for petroleum dealers. This has resulted in stock losses, reduced working capital, and financial pressure on the retail sector.
They emphasized that the current situation is insufficient to cover rising inflation, electricity and gas costs, employee salaries, and other operational expenses.
Previously, the PPDA Executive Committee also criticized the “Company Allocation Policy,” labeling it discriminatory and neglectful of the dealers’ business interests. The association has demanded an immediate review of the policy to ensure transparency and fairness.
