Key Takeaways
- All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) announces indefinite strike.
- Negotiations with government failed to reach agreement on fuel pricing.
- Strike set to begin from midnight Wednesday, affecting around 15,000 petrol pumps.
The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) has announced a nationwide strike commencing from midnight on Wednesday, impacting approximately 15,000 petrol pumps across Pakistan. This decision follows failed negotiations with the government over daily petroleum pricing mechanisms.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with the government’s team, led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, APPPOA representatives highlighted their dissatisfaction with the proposed system. Humayun Khan, Chairman of APPPOA, stated that the government's plan to revise fuel prices on a daily basis was 'unacceptable' and 'unworkable'.
The APPPOA delegation, which included Vice Chairman Nauman Ali Butt and other officials, emphasized their main demand: monthly determination of fuel prices. They also highlighted that their longstanding request for an increase in dealer commission had remained unaddressed for the past three years.
Nauman Ali Butt, Vice Chairman of APPPOA, explained that daily pricing created confusion and undermined businesses already operating at thin margins. He added that this mechanism favored oil marketing companies (OMCs) who could delay deliveries during price declines and book upliftment with advance billing.
Khan further noted the severe financial challenges faced by petrol pump owners due to pressures from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), OMCs, and government policies. He described the decision as 'ironic' given that it was taken without consulting key stakeholders, reflecting a lack of understanding of ground realities.
Separately, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has also announced its intention to decide on Wednesday whether to join the strike after a meeting of its executive body. PPDA Senior Adviser Malik Khuda Bukhsh stated that daily fuel pricing was 'not possible and unacceptable'.
Interestingly, a statement issued by the Petroleum Division claimed successful talks with the PPDA. However, Khuda Bukhsh informed Dawn that the petroleum minister had asked them to meet Ogra leadership to explain their viewpoint. The Ogra team acknowledged the challenges posed by daily pricing and sought seven days to convey these concerns to the government.
Khuda Bakhsh urged the association to remain patient instead of considering a strike, stating that the PPDA's executive committee would meet on Wednesday to decide further actions.
The APPPOA has decided to observe a nationwide strike from midnight on Wednesday, which means around 15,000 petrol pumps across Pakistan will remain closed on Thursday.
Humayun Khan, Chairman of APPPOA
The government’s plan to revise petroleum prices on a daily basis was 'unacceptable to petrol pump dealers and unworkable'.
Nauman Ali Butt, Vice Chairman of APPPOA
