Karachi petroleum dealers consider options as dispute over strike call looms

Plans for a nationwide closure of petrol pumps entered a new phase after dealers in Karachi refrained from immediately supporting a shutdown call issued by petrol pump owners.

The Petrol Pump Owners Association had instructed fuel outlets to close across the country from midnight following inconclusive negotiations with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik. However, the Karachi Petroleum Dealers Association did not move to align with the closure order due to disagreements between the two bodies.

To address the situation, the Petroleum Dealers Association scheduled an executive committee meeting to consult with counterparts across Pakistan and evaluate the seven-day deadline set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

The meeting’s outcome will decide whether the association proceeds with a nationwide strike or pursues alternative methods of protest.

The Petroleum Dealers Association stated that the government has requested an additional week to resolve outstanding demands and assured dealers that its concerns will be addressed.

The association noted that it will consider the government’s request during its internal consultations and formally communicate its final strategy to OGRA and relevant state authorities.