What are the demands of petroleum dealers?

Fuel dealers demand the withdrawal of advance tax, plan nationwide strike on July 5

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the advance income tax within four days, threatening a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.

"We have clearly stated that we will take strict action," said PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan.

The association represents 14,000 dealers who are poised to shut down petrol pumps across the country starting July 5.

The PPDA announced the strike as a protest against the imposition of a 0.5 per cent advance turnover tax in the recent budget.

Chairman Abdul Sami Khan warned that this tax would devastate the petrol pump business, which is already struggling with minimal profits and high inflation.

"The additional burden of taxes will destroy our business. There is no other option but to close the business because of this unfair tax," he asserted.

In response, the government has directed oil marketing companies (OMCs) to ensure sufficient stocks of petroleum products at company-owned or company-operated sites to avoid disruption of the supply chain and inconvenience to the public.

The precautionary measure aims to mitigate the impact of the strike.

Abdul Sami Khan noted that his meeting with the finance minister did not yield any solutions.

"I have met the finance minister; he has no answer to our questions," Khan added.

The strike is set to commence on July 5, with petrol pumps shutting down nationwide.