A worker holds a fuel nozzle to fills fuel in a car, after the government announced the increase of petrol and diesel prices, at petrol station in Karachi, Pakistan September 16, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File photo
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has decided against going on strike nationwide, following successful negotiations with Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik.
The decision was made after a meeting between the association’s delegation, the minister, officials from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and the Petroleum Division.
The dealers confirmed that there would be no change in their profit margins.
During the discussions, the association strongly opposed the proposed deregulation of fuel prices. Officials assured them that their concerns would be taken into account before finalizing any decisions regarding the deregulation process.
The government has been considering a plan to allow oil marketing companies (OMCs) to set fuel prices competitively while maintaining a price ceiling to prevent instability. Additionally, the proposal includes permitting oil refineries to blend ethanol with petroleum to reduce costs.
Petroleum dealers have raised concerns that deregulation could encourage the sale of smuggled Iranian oil and non-standard fuel, impacting their investments. They have urged the government to consult all stakeholders before making final decisions.