The Economic Coordination Committee has approved higher margins for petrol and diesel dealers. The decision prompted petroleum dealers to cancel their planned nationwide strike.
The ECC approved the revision during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Petroleum Division presented the summary seeking changes in dealers’ margins.
Following the approval, All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association Vice Chairman Nauman Butt welcomed the decision. He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik for addressing their demand.
Dealers Welcome Government’s Decision
Butt said the government had fulfilled a long-standing demand from petroleum dealers. He said the margin on petrol and diesel increased by Rs 1.34 to Rs 9.98 per litre.
The development followed a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association. The association had demanded action on commitments made by the petroleum minister.
Earlier, dealers had warned about shutting petrol pumps nationwide. They planned to begin the indefinite closure from 6am on Saturday, August 15.
Strike Threat Ends After Margin Increase
PPDA Chairperson Malik Khuda Bakhsh had announced the strike plan during a Karachi press conference. He said dealers wanted an 8% margin on petrol and demanded immediate government action.
Bakhsh said more than 14,000 members supported the association’s demands. He warned that dealers could not continue operating businesses without improved margins.
However, the ECC’s approval removed the immediate threat of a nationwide shutdown. Consequently, petrol stations will continue operations after the government accepted the dealers’ key demand.
