Fill up your fuel tanks before July 4: Here’s why

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike from July 5 after talks with the government failed to yield a resolution.

The strike, which involves 14,000 dealers, will see petrol pumps across the country shut down.

The petroleum dealers are demanding the withdrawal of the advance income tax imposed in the budget 2024-25.

Abdul Sami Khan, President of the PPDA, warned that the additional tax burden would force dealers to close their businesses, citing minimal profits and high inflation.

The PPDA had met with the finance minister, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) but failed to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Khan has urged Pakistanis to fill their fuel tanks before the strike begins and advised dealers to stock up on fuel until July 4.

The strike’s duration is uncertain, with Khan hinting that it may last more than a day.

What are their demands?

The PPDA demands the withdrawal of advance income tax, which they claim is a violation of the Constitution.

The association said that the tax would exacerbate the already challenging conditions faced by petrol pump owners, forcing many to shut down their businesses.