KARACHI (HRNW): The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has officially announced an indefinite nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps starting March 27, 2026, following the government’s failure to address their demands regarding profit margins. During a high-stakes press conference in Karachi, senior association leaders including Abdul Sami Khan, Amir Khan Mehsud, and Tariq Hassan criticized the federal government for prioritizing the profits of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) while neglecting the financial survival of retail dealers.
The leadership expressed deep frustration, stating that recent fuel price hikes have generated billions in revenue for OMCs and the government through increased levies, yet the dealers’ commission remains stagnant at unsustainable levels. Amir Khan Mehsud, President of the Sindh Association, warned that fuel supplies would be halted as early as the night of March 26 because dealers can no longer afford to operate at a loss due to rising electricity costs, labor wages, and high inflation.
Abdul Sami Khan emphasized that the association is moving toward a policy of “resistance” rather than mere negotiation, citing that the continuous increase in petroleum levies has placed an unbearable burden on both the public and the business community. This planned shutdown is expected to cause severe disruptions in fuel availability across the country, and the association has appealed to the public for cooperation as they fight for their economic survival.
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