Petroleum Dealers Threaten Nationwide Strike From August 15

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, warning that petrol stations nationwide will shut indefinitely from 6:00am on August 15 if their demands are not addressed.

Dealers are seeking an increase in their petrol margin to at least 8%, citing rising operating costs, including electricity, gas and employee expenses. The association said more than 14,000 dealers are backing the demand.

The PPDA has also objected to the 24-hour fuel price adjustment mechanism, arguing that frequent price changes create operational and financial challenges for dealers holding fuel inventories. It has further called for a review of the Company Allocation Policy, which it considers discriminatory.

The association said it remains willing to negotiate with the Petroleum Ministry, OGRA and oil marketing companies but warned that fuel stations would remain closed if the government fails to resolve the issues within the 72-hour deadline.