The Pakistan Petroleum Sellers Association has issued a warning of nationwide petrol pump closures if there’s any move towards deregulating petroleum products.
Abdul Sami Khan, chairman of the Petroleum Dealers Association, expressed concerns during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club. He stated that deregulation could lead to a significant price hike of up to 20 rupees per liter in remote areas of Pakistan. However, he suggested that a deal with Iran could be beneficial for the public.
Highlighting the dominance of three major oil marketing companies controlling 75% of the industry, Khan emphasized the potential detrimental impact of deregulation, warning of impending protests. Malik Khudabakhsh joined in, affirming plans to challenge deregulation through legal means, expressing fears of diminished petrol quality for consumers.
Khan accused the government of orchestrating price increases without direct accountability, citing Ogra’s recommendations to the ECC. He cautioned that unilateral decisions by the government could force petrol pump closures, while lamenting the unchecked smuggling of petrol.
