ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has postponed its nationwide strike scheduled for March 26, choosing instead to convene a general body meeting to finalise a future strategy.
Chairman Abdul Sami Khan clarified that while the shutdown has been postponed, the association maintains its demand for a margin increase to 8%, up from the current level of approximately 2.59% (around Rs8 per litre).
Dealers argue that operating on the existing margin is no longer financially viable, particularly following the recent price hike of Rs55 per litre for petrol and diesel. Despite an earlier ultimatum issued on March 13, the association notes that the government has yet to engage in formal dialogue regarding these grievances.
The upcoming post-March 26 meeting will determine whether the industry proceeds with a full-scale strike if their demands remain unaddressed. Mr Khan indicated that the situation would be further reviewed after Eid-ul-Fitr to evaluate all available options if the government refuses to revise the commission rates.
