The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike on July 5 to protest the government’s new 0.5% advance tax.
PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said they will discuss the issue with the government in Islamabad on Monday. If talks fail, petrol pumps across Pakistan will shut down as planned. He warned the strike might last longer than a day if necessary and urged the government to cancel the tax, which he says will make it difficult for petrol dealers to stay in business.
This announcement comes after the federal government recently raised petrol prices by Rs 7.45 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs 265.61 per litre. High-speed diesel prices also increased by Rs 9.56, making the new price Rs 277.45 per litre.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has also proposed a 33% increase in the petroleum levy and a 50% hike in the levy on high-octane, light diesel, and ethanol, which would add Rs 50 per litre to these fuels if approved.