The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike starting from July 5, demanding the government to immediately withdraw the advance tax decision, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Tuesday.
The association has declared that petrol pumps across the country will be closed in protest.
During a press conference addressing the recent budget, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan stated that the imposed 0.5 percent advance turnover tax will devastate the petrol pump business.
"We are already operating with minimal profit margins amid the highest rate of inflation," said Khan. "The additional tax burden will destroy our business, leaving us no choice but to shut down operations due to this unfair tax."
Khan revealed that he had met with the finance minister, who failed to provide satisfactory answers to their concerns. The association has given the government a four-day ultimatum to abolish the advance income tax.
"We have clearly stated that we will take strict action if our demands are not met," Abdul Sami Khan asserted.
Representing 14,000 dealers nationwide, the PPDA has unified in its stance. "On July 5, petrol pumps across the country will be shut down, and we will go on strike," confirmed Abdul Sami Khan, indicating a significant disruption in fuel supply if the government does not respond promptly to their demands.