The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has declared a nationwide strike scheduled for July 5th in protest against the government’s imposition of a 0.5% advance tax. PPDA chairman Abdul Sami Khan has emphasized that discussions are slated with government officials on Monday in Islamabad. However, Khan warned that should these talks fail to yield a satisfactory resolution, petrol stations across Pakistan will shut down as planned. He underscored the serious concerns over the advance turnover tax, cautioning that the strike could potentially extend beyond a single day if deemed necessary.
Khan has urged the government to promptly retract the tax to prevent significant disruptions to petrol dealers’ businesses.
In other developments, the federal government recently announced an increase in petrol prices by Rs 7.45 per litre, establishing the new rate at Rs 265.61 per litre, up from Rs 258.16 per litre. This rise adds further strain on the already burdened public grappling with inflation. The price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has also been raised by Rs 9.56, setting the new cost at Rs 277.45 per litre.
Furthermore, the government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has proposed a substantial 33% hike in the petroleum levy on petroleum products. Additionally, they have recommended a 50% increase in the levy on high-octane fuel, light diesel, and ethanol, which could potentially result in an extra charge of Rs 50 per litre for these fuels if approved.
These changes have sparked widespread concern among the public and business community alike, who are struggling to cope with escalating costs. The PPDA’s planned strike underscores the mounting dissatisfaction and emphasizes the urgency for the government to address the financial burdens faced by consumers and petrol dealers alike.