Petroleum dealers threaten to ‘shut down country’ if demands not met

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has issued a stern warning, stating that they will shut down petrol stations across the country on July 5 if the advance tax is not revoked.

In a press conference, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan expressed serious concerns over the 0.5% advance turnover tax imposed on petroleum dealers in the latest finance bill.

He emphasized that this tax makes it impossible to sustain petrol pump businesses.

Khan urged the government to reconsider and immediately abolish the advance tax, warning that if the tax remains, they will have no option but to shut down operations nationwide.

He highlighted plummeting sales for petroleum dealers and accused the government of supporting smuggling, claiming those who speak out face threats. Khan also noted that taxes on every purchase transaction further burden petroleum dealers.

According to Khan, the Prime Minister has expressed helplessness regarding the imposition of these taxes.

A delegation of petroleum dealers is scheduled to visit Islamabad today to seek meetings with the Finance Minister, the Petroleum Minister, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).