Islamabad, 24 May 2025: Petroleum Dealers Warn of a potential nationwide shutdown if their concerns over recent legal amendments are not addressed.
This warning came during a press conference held by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) in Karachi, where leaders voiced strong objections to the proposed changes in the country’s petroleum laws.
Dealers Oppose Changes to Petroleum Act
During the briefing, PPDA representatives expressed deep unease over amendments proposed to the Petroleum Act of 1934.
The association believes these changes, if implemented, could disrupt the business environment for thousands of fuel station operators across Pakistan.
READ MORE: OCAC Seeks 27% Margin Hike for Petrol Companies
Petroleum Dealers Warn that unless their reservations are fully considered in the upcoming negotiations with the Federal Minister for Petroleum, they may be left with no alternative but to halt operations nationwide.
Objections Over Authority Expansion
The PPDA specifically objected to the proposal granting increased authority to deputy and assistant commissioners, a move they described as unnecessary and overreaching.
According to the association, monitoring and regulation of petrol stations fall under the jurisdiction of specialized agencies like the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), not local administrative officers.
One of the association’s senior members stressed that they have no desire to break the law or encourage any kind of unrest.
However, he made it clear that the PPDA would not accept the amendments quietly and was prepared to resist them through all legal means.
Petroleum Dealers Warn that the proposed legal changes could lead to misuse of power and unnecessary interference in their operations.
READ MORE: Govt Announces Petrol, Diesel Prices Reduced
Call for Constructive Dialogue
The association reiterated that it still hopes for a productive outcome in the final round of discussions with federal authorities.
However, they emphasized that the failure to reach a consensus would force their hand, leaving closure of fuel stations as the only remaining course of action.
In closing, the PPDA leadership stated that their stance was not driven by defiance but by the need to protect their rights and ensure fair governance.
Petroleum Dealers Warn that unless their voices are heard, a serious disruption to fuel supply across Pakistan may soon follow.
