Petroleum Dealers Announce Nationwide Strike on July 5 to Protest Advance Tax
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike on July 5 to protest a 0.5% advance tax imposed by the government. PPDA chairman Abdul Sami Khan said talks with the government are set for Monday in Islamabad.
If these discussions don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, petrol stations across Pakistan will shut down as planned. Khan warned that the strike could extend beyond a day if necessary, urging the government to cancel the tax to avoid major business disruptions for petrol dealers.
Recently, the government increased the petrol price by Rs 7.45 per litre, raising it to Rs 265.61 per litre from Rs 258.16 per litre. This increase adds to the burden on the public already struggling with inflation. The price of high-speed diesel (HSD) also went up by Rs 9.56, making it Rs 277.45 per litre.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government has proposed a 33% hike in the petroleum levy on petroleum products and a 50% increase in the levy on high-octane, light diesel, and ethanol, which could add an extra Rs 50 per litre for these fuels.
These changes have raised concerns among the public and businesses, highlighting the financial strain they face. The PPDA’s planned strike underscores the need for the government to address these economic challenges.
