The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to revise petroleum prices on a daily basis.
Following the announcement, the association called for a strike until the government withdraws the new policy.
Representatives of the association argued that the decision was made without consulting petrol pump owners, despite its potential impact on the country’s fuel retail sector.
Association Announces Strike Call
Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association, Nauman Ali Butt, said the government did not take nearly 15,000 petrol pump owners into confidence before introducing the policy.
He stated that the association considers the decision impractical and urged the government to review it.
Moreover, he emphasized that petrol pump owners should not bear the burden of challenges created by policy changes.
According to him, consultation with all stakeholders is necessary before implementing any major decision affecting the petroleum sector.
Stakeholders Seek Broader Consultation
The association maintained that the government should consult all relevant stakeholders before finalizing fuel prices with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
It further warned that the proposed policy could affect several parts of the petroleum supply chain.
According to the association, oil tankers, transportation services, and the overall fuel pricing mechanism could all face the impact of daily price revisions.
Therefore, it urged authorities to reconsider the decision before implementing the new pricing system.
Jamaat-e-Islami Criticizes the Decision
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also criticized the government’s decision.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, he described the move as unfair to the public.
He questioned the government’s policy by asking, “Why doesn’t the coalition government abolish the 120-rupee tax on petrol instead of raising prices?”
The JI chief also argued that the petroleum levy has no connection with the actual price of fuel.
He further asked, “Why doesn’t the government put an end to this extortion disguised as a levy?”
Concerns Over Public Burden
Hafiz Naeem said the government’s latest decision would increase financial pressure on the public.
According to him, the government continues to transfer the consequences of its policy decisions to ordinary citizens.
The criticism came as concerns grew over the possible impact of daily fuel price revisions on consumers, transport operators, and businesses.
At the same time, the Petrol Pump Owners Association reiterated its demand for meaningful consultation before implementing any new pricing mechanism.
The association maintained that it would continue its protest until the government reviews its decision and addresses the concerns raised by stakeholders.
