Beginning on July 18, 2022, petrol pumps will be shut down all across the country, unless the government accepts the demands of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA).
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Demands & Lack of Supply
This is not the first time this association has threatened to go on strike. Their demands are almost always the same – to increase their commission as the cost of running petrol pumps has gone up considerably.
Currently, they are getting a commission of 3.5%, while they are asking for 6%. The Association justifies this demand by claiming that due to extended load-shedding, their cost of operating generators has gone up. Furthermore, electricity prices have also increased. The government has also increased the minimum wages to Rs.25,000, which eats into their profit.
There is one more reason for this strike – lack of availability of petroleum products.
Recently, the Monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Karachi due to which no oil tanker has been filled since July 10. Lack of petrol supply, would lead to petrol pumps shutting down anyway.
Will There Be No Petrol in Pakistan After July 18?
Since the Association has not given any date to end their strike, it is ringing alarm bells. However, it may not turn out to be as bad as it sounds.
We would like to remind our readers that in November 2021, the same Association went on strike demanding the same profit margin – 6%. However, not every petrol pump shutdown and petrol was still available at some stations.
This is because not every petrol pump owner is a member of PPDA. This is especially true for Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) petrol stations.
If you are interested in knowing more about which petrol stations did not participate in the strike in Karachi, Lahore and the twin cities, read this blog: “Countrywide” petrol strike may not be countrywide afterall – Petrol available at these selected Pumps
However, we would like to remind you that this time around it is not confirmed yet whether these petrol stations would follow the same course. If they do, we will update this space. So, stay tuned.
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