The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), which represents the interests of petrol pump owners across the country, has decided to postpone its planned nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps for two days. This decision was announced on Friday after the first round of discussions with the State Minister for Petroleum, Musadik Malik.
The PPDA, which is advocating for an increase in the profit margin for petrol pump owners, had initially planned to shut down all petrol pumps across the country from 6:00 pm on July 22. The association, boasting a membership of over 10,000, had made this announcement a day earlier. However, following talks with Minister Malik, who had arrived in Karachi specifically for these negotiations, the association agreed to delay their planned action.
In a statement released by the PPDA, it was revealed that further discussions with the government might be held after the two-day postponement period. The association’s chairman, Abdul Sami Khan, stated that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 operators represented by the association would suspend petrol supply until their demands were met.
The association has expressed its concerns to the petroleum minister about the impact of interest rates and inflation on their businesses. They argue that these factors have significantly affected their operations, necessitating an increase in the dealership margin. Furthermore, the association claims that sales have dropped by 30% due to the smuggling of Iranian fuel into Pakistan.
The PPDA’s decision to postpone the shutdown indicates a willingness to engage in dialogue with the government. However, the future course of action will depend on the outcome of these discussions and whether the association’s demands are addressed satisfactorily.
