Overview
- Pakistan’s petrol pump dealers warned Tuesday they will close stations across the country if the government rejects their call for an 8% commission.
- Leaders from PPDA and APPPOA said they want a proportional commission that rises with pump prices because a fixed Rs8 per litre after deductions no longer covers costs.
- The associations said they will decide on a strike call after an upcoming meeting, and some owners warned they may sell their pumps if margins do not improve.
- Dealers blamed smuggled Iranian fuel and alleged hoarding by oil marketing companies for eroding sales, pointing to Balochistan’s cap of Rs190 for petrol and Rs220 for diesel on such supplies.
- Fuel prices recently hit records near Rs378 for petrol and above Rs500 for diesel, and any shutdown could choke transport, raise daily costs for commuters, and intensify frustration under IMF-linked fiscal limits.