Petroleum Dealers in Karachi Postpone Strike Amid Fuel Shortages

Petroleum dealers in Karachi, Pakistan, decided to postpone their strike on Friday evening. However, many people were still worried as they found several fuel pumps either closed or out of fuel. The dealers were protesting against a new 0.5% advance turnover tax, which they say would add a significant tax burden of PKR 1 million per pump.

According to a petroleum dealer, about 50% of fuel pumps in Karachi were closed before Friday prayers due to mixed responses to the strike call. By evening, most pumps resumed operations before the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Chairman Abdul Sami Khan announced the postponement of the strike and instructed dealers to reopen pumps from 7pm.

Fuel pumps remained open in various areas of the city, including Sharea Faisal, I I Chundrigar Road, Malir, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, and Gulshan-i-Iqbal. Khan said the strike was postponed due to the difficulties faced by tourists in northern areas like Hazara division, Malakand, and Swat, who were running low on fuel. He also mentioned challenges faced by motorcyclists and ambulance services in other cities.

Despite the postponement, Khan made it clear that the association is not withdrawing its demand. He alleged that officials in Hazara and Malakand divisions had forced PPDA dealers to open their outlets. He warned that if their demands are not met, the strike could resume.