The Petroleum Dealers Association has announced the postponement of a nationwide strike that was scheduled for March 27, easing fears of an immediate fuel supply disruption across Pakistan.
Dealers Demand Higher Profit Margin
In a statement issued in Lahore, association representative Jehanzeb Malik said petroleum dealers had demanded an 8 percent profit margin on petrol and diesel sales.
He noted that dealers currently receive Rs6.70 per liter as profit on petrol, which they argue is insufficient given rising operational costs.
Meeting Requested With Petroleum Minister
Earlier, the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association sent a letter requesting an urgent meeting with Ali Pervaiz Malik, the federal minister for petroleum.
The association said it had also sent a similar request on March 6, but had not received a response.
Sector Facing Financial Challenges
According to the association, the petroleum retail sector is facing multiple challenges, including:
- Operational and financial difficulties
- Price fluctuations
- Sudden policy changes
The group urged the government to include industry stakeholders in policy-making.
Warning of Possible Fuel Crisis
Representatives said the concerns of around 14,000 to 15,000 petrol pump owners nationwide require immediate attention.
They warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, dealers may consider shutting down petrol pumps across the country.
The association cautioned that such closures could trigger a severe fuel crisis, adding that responsibility for any disruption would rest with the Ministry of Petroleum.
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