KARACHI: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike on July 5 in protest against the government’s decision to impose a 0.5% advance tax.
Abdul Sami Khan, the chairman of the PPDA, stated that talks with the government are scheduled for Monday in Islamabad. If these discussions fail, petrol pumps across Pakistan will shut down as planned. Khan expressed concern over the advance turnover tax, suggesting that the strike could extend beyond a single day if necessary.
“The government must withdraw this tax immediately as it makes it impossible for petrol dealers to operate their businesses,” he urged.
The announcement follows a recent increase in petrol prices by the federal government. On Sunday, petrol prices rose by Rs7.45 per liter, setting the new rate at Rs265.61 per liter, up from Rs258.16. High-speed diesel (HSD) also saw a significant hike, now priced at Rs277.45 per liter, an increase of Rs9.56 from the previous Rs267.89 per liter.
The Finance Division issued an official notification confirming the new prices, adding to the burden on the inflation-hit public. In addition, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal government has proposed a 33% increase in the petroleum levy on petroleum products and a 50% increase in the levy on high-octane, light diesel, and ethanol. Once approved, this proposal will result in an additional charge of Rs50 per liter for high-octane, light diesel, and Kerosen,
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