Islamabad, Feb 28: The Ministry of Petroleum has clarified that no decision has been made regarding the deregulation of fuel prices. Officials reassured that petroleum dealers would be consulted before any policy shift. This statement follows threats of a nationwide strike by the All-Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) if their concerns are not addressed before March 4.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Petroleum has directed the ministry to engage in discussions with fuel dealers before reaching any conclusion. Ministry representatives confirmed that deregulation remains under review and that no final decision has been taken. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) dismissed the strike warning as a misunderstanding. According to him, dealers are primarily worried that oil companies may reduce their profit margins under deregulation.
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To resolve the issue, the Standing Committee has summoned officials from OGRA and representatives of APPDA for further negotiations. APPDA has criticized the government for excluding them from critical consultations, emphasizing that an earlier statement by the petroleum minister suggested deregulation had already been decided and was awaiting only the prime minister’s approval.
The association has also raised concerns about profit margins and the impact of deregulating lubricants and high-octane fuel. They insist that any decision regarding deregulation should take into account the financial viability of fuel dealers and ensure a fair pricing mechanism.
The government now faces pressure to balance industry reforms with the demands of petroleum dealers. While deregulation may promote market competitiveness, authorities must address concerns regarding profitability and fair trade practices to prevent disruptions in fuel supply.
