ISLAMABAD: Petrol pumps across Pakistan may close nationwide after Eid as petroleum dealers have warned of an indefinite strike if the government fails to address their demands regarding profit margins.
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) announced that fuel retailers could launch a countrywide shutdown beginning March 26, potentially disrupting petrol and diesel supplies across major cities.
Association leaders say dealers have repeatedly asked the government to revise their profit margins, but authorities have not implemented the promised increase. The dealers argue that rising operational costs, including electricity bills, salaries and maintenance expenses, have made it difficult for petrol pump operators to continue business under the current margin structure.
The PPDA has demanded that the government raise dealer margins to around eight percent per litre of petroleum products. Dealers say the existing margin no longer covers their operating costs, especially after recent fuel price increases.
Petroleum dealers claim that while fuel prices have increased significantly in recent weeks, most financial benefits go to oil marketing companies, leaving retail station operators under financial pressure.
According to PPDA officials, petrol pumps will stop purchasing fuel supplies if their demands remain unresolved. Dealers warned that supply could begin halting from the night of March 26, which may lead to closures at petrol stations nationwide.
Industry representatives also warned that repeated price adjustments and increasing taxes on petroleum products have created severe pressure on both businesses and consumers.
Energy analysts say a nationwide petrol pump strike could trigger temporary fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations, particularly in large urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Pakistan’s fuel supply chain remains sensitive to disruptions because the country relies heavily on imported petroleum products. Recent global oil market volatility has also increased pressure on domestic fuel prices and supply management.
So far, federal authorities have not issued an official response to the latest strike warning. However, officials from the petroleum ministry are expected to hold discussions with dealers in an attempt to prevent a nationwide shutdown.
If negotiations fail, the closure of petrol pumps after Eid could significantly affect transportation, logistics and daily commuting across the country.