Islamabad, Mar 4, 2025: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has decided to withdraw its planned nationwide strike following successful negotiations with Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik.
The decision was reached after a high-level meeting involving representatives from the association, the Petroleum Division, and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
During the discussions, the dealers were assured that there would be no changes to their existing profit margins, addressing one of their primary concerns.
A key issue raised in the meeting was the proposed deregulation of fuel prices, which the association firmly opposed. Government officials assured them that their reservations would be considered before any final decision on deregulation is made.
The government has been exploring a deregulation policy, which would allow oil marketing companies (OMCs) to set fuel prices competitively while maintaining a price ceiling to prevent volatility. The proposal also includes ethanol blending in petroleum by oil refineries to reduce costs.
Petroleum dealers, however, have expressed concerns that deregulation could encourage the influx of smuggled Iranian fuel and substandard products, which could undermine their investments.
They have urged the government to engage all stakeholders before moving forward with any policy changes. Following the assurances from the government, the PPDA has confirmed that fuel supply operations will continue as usual, ensuring that consumers face no disruptions.
