The Petrol Pump Owners Association has announced the postponement of its strike after the government assured it that its demands would be addressed.
According to Express News, negotiations were held between Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and representatives of the Petrol Pump Owners Association. The two sides discussed the proposed daily fuel pricing mechanism, dealers’ profit margins, and other demands, during which the government assured the association that its concerns would be resolved.
Speaking at a press conference alongside association officials, Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked all members of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association. He said the region was going through difficult circumstances and that the public was facing hardships due to rising fuel prices.
The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government were fully aware of the difficulties faced by the public. He added that the government had spent billions of rupees in an effort to shield people from the impact of rising fuel prices.
He said the government had introduced a comprehensive petroleum subsidy system. However, with the threat of renewed conflict looming over the region, global petroleum prices had risen sharply. Despite the increase in international oil prices and existing international commitments, the government was continuing to operate the system within its available capacity.
The minister said petroleum dealers would hold detailed discussions with OGRA, and a summary regarding dealers’ profit margins would be presented before the federal cabinet. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved within two weeks.
He also said that the Field Marshal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar were once again making efforts to secure a ceasefire, and prayed for the success of their efforts.
Petroleum Pump Owners Association Chairman Nadeem Aziz said the Petroleum Minister had listened to the association’s demands and provided written assurances that they would be addressed. On this basis, the association had decided to postpone the strike scheduled for the following day.
Nadeem Aziz added that discussions had also been held with the government regarding the proposed daily fuel pricing mechanism.
Another association representative, Raja Waseem, said the association had been compelled to consider the strike after prolonged difficulties. He thanked the government and the Petroleum Minister for listening to their concerns and expressed hope that the issues would be resolved within the next two weeks.
