Overview
- At a Karachi press conference, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association demanded an 8% per-litre margin and warned of nationwide pump shutdowns from March 27 if the government does not act by March 26.
- Dealers report current earnings of roughly Rs8 per litre (about 2.6%–3.6%) and say lifting the margin to 8% would raise this to about Rs25 per litre, according to Business Recorder’s calculation.
- The government increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre on March 6 to Rs321.17 and Rs335.86 respectively, which dealers say has sharply increased their working capital needs.
- The association alleges oil marketing companies imposed quotas, capped supplies and hoarded fuel, and it has asked the President, Prime Minister, army chief and petroleum minister to order a formal inquiry that includes PPDA representatives.
- PPDA leaders say no final strike order has been issued and the stance will be reviewed on March 26, with the potential disruption falling close to Eid; no official government response has been reported.