In a recent development, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) faces internal divisions regarding the potential for an indefinite strike. While one faction is pushing for further negotiations with the government, another is advocating for immediate action.
Key Statements and Reactions:
- Rejection of Strike Claims:
- PPDA Secretary General Noman Ali Butt refuted claims of a countrywide strike, assuring that petroleum product supplies would remain uninterrupted.
- “The dealers’ association did not announce a strike; only a few elements made the call. Talks with the government are ongoing, and authorities have assured us that our grievances will be addressed,” Butt stated.
- Advocating for Negotiation:
- PPDA Spokesperson Hasan Shah emphasized the importance of negotiations, urging that strikes should be a last resort.
- “We have protested in the past, including blocking D-Chowk and Faizabad Interchange, and protesting outside the National Assembly and Senate. However, negotiations remain the best option,” Shah asserted.
Current Situation Across Major Cities:
- Karachi:
- A significant number of petrol pumps were closed on Friday morning, although some continued operations, notably on University Road and Sharea Faisal.
- Lahore:
- The Petroleum Dealers Association Punjab decided not to observe the strike despite the collapse of negotiations, ensuring petrol pumps remained open.
- Lodhran:
- Petrol pump owners dissociated from the strike and continued selling fuel.
Government and Regulatory Measures:
- Assurance of Supply:
- The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and Petroleum Division confirmed the availability of sufficient petroleum products nationwide.
- “The concerns of the PPDA have been taken up with the FBR and Finance Division for consideration,” they stated.
- Monitoring and Coordination:
- A monitoring cell has been established in the DG (Oil) office to oversee fuel supply and coordinate during the strike call.
- Ogra has mobilized monitoring teams to assess the situation and take necessary actions.
- Provincial Actions:
- Provincial chief secretaries have been requested to keep as many retail outlets open as possible.
- Authorities have also been asked to permit oil tanker movements during the day to ensure stock replenishment at operational retail sites.
The PPDA’s internal disagreements highlight the challenges in balancing negotiations with government authorities and addressing the diverse perspectives within its ranks. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of any potential strike and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across the country.
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