Petrol pump dealers across Pakistan have rejected the government’s proposal to change fuel prices every day, saying the new system would be difficult to manage and could hurt their businesses.
The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting from Wednesday midnight after talks with the government did not reach an agreement. The association says the proposed daily price adjustment system is not practical for petrol pump owners, especially those already working with low profit margins.
According to the dealers, fuel prices should continue to be revised once a month instead of changing every day. They believe monthly adjustments provide more stability and make it easier for petrol pumps to manage their operations and stock.
The association has also repeated its demand for an increase in dealer commissions. Representatives say their commission has not been revised for the past three years, despite rising business costs, inflation, and higher operating expenses. They argue that the current commission is no longer enough to cover their daily costs.
Dealers have warned that if the issue is not resolved, around 15,000 petrol pumps across the country could remain closed during the strike. Such a shutdown could affect fuel supplies and create difficulties for the public, businesses, and transport services.
The association has urged the government to review the proposed policy and hold further discussions with petrol pump owners before making any final decision. It also requested that dealers be included in future policy-making processes so their concerns can be considered.
The dispute highlights the ongoing differences between the government and petrol pump owners over fuel pricing, business costs, and the future of Pakistan’s fuel distribution system.
