ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) and the Petrol Pump Owners Association on Wednesday announced the postponement of the nationwide strike that had been scheduled for tomorrow.
After holding successful talks with the government, the Petrol Pump Owners and Dealers Association formally announced the postponement of its proposed strike for the time being. Speaking to the media after the negotiations, Minister of State for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said that the government was well aware of the difficulties faced by the people and was taking serious steps to resolve the problems of dealers.
He assured that a meeting will be held with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) within the next two weeks on the issue of dealers’ margins, while a summary for a permanent solution to this issue would also be presented to the federal cabinet. Ali Pervaiz Malik further said that the government’s aim is to bring transparency in the petroleum system and he will raise his voice in favour of the legitimate demands of dealers at every forum.
On the other hand, petrol pump owners and dealers expressed full confidence in the government’s assurance.
As per media reports, the PPDA said it had decided to withdraw its strike call after the government assured petroleum dealers that their dealer margin would be increased. Moreover, it added that it was postponing its planned protest in light of the government’s commitment to address the dealers’ concerns.
Both bodies expressed hope that the issue of dealers’ margins would be resolved within the next two weeks.
It is worth mentioning here that a day earlier, All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) had announced a nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps after negotiations with the government ended without a breakthrough.
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