The Petroleum Dealers Association has announced a nationwide strike starting March 26 if the government fails to revise their profit margins. Officials warned that fuel pumps across the country may shut down, disrupting supply. The association emphasized that repeated requests over the past two years have gone unanswered, leaving dealers financially strained amid rising operational costs.
Association leader Tariq Hassan said the indefinite strike would commence after Eid, highlighting that the dealers’ profit margins have remained stagnant despite significant increases in petroleum prices. He criticized authorities for ignoring prior commitments, which has created mounting challenges for petrol pump operators. The association warned that ongoing inaction could worsen the situation and impact fuel availability nationwide.
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The dealers strongly condemned the Rs55 per liter price hike, describing it as “embezzlement” and demanding a thorough investigation. They alleged that some oil marketing companies profited unfairly by stockpiling fuel before the increase, earning billions at the expense of smaller dealers. Hassan emphasized the need for accountability and immediate government intervention.
Rising fuel costs have further strained dealers, as operational expenses continue to outpace earnings. Hassan noted that the recent price surge has doubled purchase costs for fuel dealers while their margins remain unchanged. This imbalance is making it increasingly difficult for pump owners to cover salaries, maintenance, and other essential expenses efficiently.
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Supply concerns have also escalated, with oil marketing companies reportedly reducing fuel quotas for petrol pumps by half. Hassan said this has intensified pressure on dealers already struggling with higher purchase costs and declining margins, further threatening consistent fuel distribution across the country.
The Petroleum Dealers Association has urged authorities to investigate the price increase, revise margin policies, and address supply issues promptly. Failure to resolve these matters, the association warned, could lead to a nationwide strike after Eid, potentially causing major disruptions in fuel availability.