Fill up your tanks! Petrol pumps to go on indefinite strike from Thursday

Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman Abdul Sami Khan Wednesday announced a countrywide strike from Thursday morning to press their demand to increase their profit margin as expenses have already increased by three percent, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

He said the association announced the indefinite call as a last resort. Association Secretary Information Khawaja Atif claimed Hammad Azhar did not accept the demands despite assurance.

Petroleum Secretary contacted the chairman of the association and apprised him that the ministry has moved the summary of the increase in margin to the Petroleum Division but he could not disclose the summary points.

Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said strike to go on as per the announcement as they are not informed with the summary moves to the petroleum division.

Association General Secretary (Multan) Malik Iqbal said the strike would continue till the resolution of demands. He said petrol pumps will remain shut in South Punjab.

He said the government should increase the margin from Rs3.15 to Rs6. The association also announced to shut down petrol pumps across the country from 6:00am on Thursday.  

However, state-run Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Oil Tankers Association announced to keep petrol pumps open as usual on Wednesday and onwards, contrary to the association's strike call.

Minister of Energy Hammad Azhar said the government was in touch with the petroleum dealers association and a summary regarding revision of their margins has already been tabled in ECC and a decision will be taken in its next session.

We are in touch with petroleum dealers association. A summary regarding revision of their margins has already been tabled in ECC and a decision will be taken in its next session.

— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) November 24, 2021

Reporters: Rana Ayaz, Saeed Ahmed Saeed, Awais Kiyani, Mohsin ul Mulk