Pakistan Petrol Strike: Pump Owners Announce Nationwide Shutdown
Pakistan petrol strike could disrupt fuel supplies across the country from Thursday. Petrol pump owners announced an indefinite shutdown after talks with the federal government failed. They said the strike would continue until authorities accepted their demands.
Talks Collapse Over Pricing, Commission
The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) represents around 15,000 fuel stations. Chairman Humayun Khan met Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to discuss the new pricing system. However, both sides failed to reach an agreement.
As a result, the association announced a nationwide strike from midnight on Wednesday. Vice Chairman Nauman Ali Butt confirmed that all member pumps would remain closed until further notice. He also said the Tanker Association had backed the protest.
APPPOA wants the government to restore monthly fuel price revisions. In addition, it demands dealer commissions based on a percentage of fuel prices instead of a fixed amount per litre. Leaders believe the daily pricing mechanism creates uncertainty for retailers and customers.
Humayun Khan said petrol pump owners already face financial pressure from regulators, oil marketing companies and government policies. Therefore, frequent price changes make business operations more difficult. He urged the government to involve industry representatives before introducing major policy changes.
Fuel Prices Increase Again
The strike announcement came after another rise in petroleum prices. The government increased petrol by Rs4.93 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs7.15 per litre for July 22. Consequently, petrol now costs Rs320.73 per litre, while diesel sells for Rs367.21 per litre. Kerosene also became Rs6.78 per litre more expensive.
Petrol mainly powers motorcycles, cars and small vehicles. Meanwhile, diesel supports heavy transport and agriculture. Therefore, continued price hikes affect businesses and households alike.
APPPOA warned that the shutdown could disrupt fuel supplies across Pakistan. Unless fresh negotiations succeed, motorists may face long queues and fuel shortages from Thursday.
