Petroleum dealers threaten strike on March 4

The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) Sindh has announced its support for a nationwide strike on March 4, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Petroleum Dealers Association (KPPDCA) has warned of a province-wide protest if the government proceeds with its proposed deregulation policy for petroleum pricing.

The federal government, through Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, recently revealed plans to allow oil marketing companies (OMCs) to set their own fuel prices.

This move aims to introduce market competition by enabling OMCs to sell fuel below the government’s fixed rates.

However, petroleum dealers and local refineries fear the deregulation policy could lead to market manipulation and monopolization by a few dominant companies.

During a press conference in Sindh, APPDA leaders Raza Abbas and Nauman Butt stated that the strike would continue indefinitely until their concerns were addressed.

Abbas warned that deregulation could facilitate cartelization, marginalizing smaller dealers and disrupting the petroleum supply chain.

Similarly, KPPDCA has signaled strong opposition to the policy, calling for its reversal.

The associations have accused the Ministry of Petroleum of favoring specific companies, which they believe could undermine the broader petroleum sector’s stability.