Petroleum dealers to shut pumps nationwide on Friday

Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike on Friday, July 5, closing 13,000 petrol pumps in protest against the advance turnover tax. Banners have been displayed across the country to inform the public of the closure.

The PPDA stated that the strike is a response to the 0.5% advance turnover tax, following failed negotiations with the government on Wednesday.

Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of PPDA, said, "Our message is clear: the strike will commence on Friday, July 5, at 6am, with petrol pumps across the country shutting down."

He further indicated that the strike could extend beyond one day if the government does not revoke the advance turnover tax, emphasising, "No negotiations will take place until the advance turnover tax is withdrawn."

Also read: What are the demands of petroleum dealers?

Abdul Sami Khan had earlier 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 had 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.