Petroleum dealers withdraw strike after successful talks with govt

The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) has withdrawn its planned strike for March 4 following successful negotiations with the federal government regarding the deregulation of the petroleum sector.

After discussions with Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, APPDA spokesperson Noman Ali Butt confirmed that the strike call had been revoked.

He stated that the minister assured petroleum dealers that the deregulation process would not negatively impact their profit margins.

Sources revealed that both sides agreed the APPDA would be consulted on deregulation policies. Additionally, the government pledged to take steps to curb the smuggling of oil from Iran.

The development follows concerns raised by APPDA over the proposed deregulation policy, which would allow oil marketing companies to set fuel prices.

The association had warned of a nationwide strike, fearing the policy could favor foreign companies and reduce dealers’ profit margins.

However, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman dismissed these concerns as a misunderstanding, stating that deregulation would not necessarily harm dealers’ interests.

With negotiations concluded, APPDA has decided to cooperate with the government in future discussions on the deregulation framework.