Petrol Pump Owners Warn of Strike Amid Fuel Price Hike Concerns
Islamabad: The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned that petrol pumps across Pakistan could shut down if their concerns are not addressed promptly. The association has requested an urgent meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik to discuss operational, financial, pricing, and force majeure-related issues affecting pump owners nationwide.
The warning comes in the wake of rising fuel prices due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Recent price hikes have seen petrol and diesel increase by PKR 55 per liter, kerosene by over PKR 200, and high-octane fuel by approximately PKR 200 per liter.
In a letter to the minister, Vice Chairman Noman Ali Butt highlighted that previous concerns raised on March 6 received no response. The association urged the inclusion of stakeholders in petroleum sector policymaking and emphasized the need for an immediate meeting, noting that roughly 14,000–15,000 petrol pump owners across the country require urgent attention.
The letter warned that ignoring their demands could force pump owners to suspend operations, potentially triggering a nationwide fuel crisis. The association expressed hope for a positive government response, stating that any resulting crisis would be the responsibility of the Petroleum Division.
Meanwhile, a committee overseeing petrol prices confirmed that Pakistan has ensured sufficient fuel supplies for March and April. Chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, the meeting reviewed energy supply and global oil and gas market conditions.
