The Pakistan Petroleum Sellers Association has issued a warning to shut down petrol pumps nationwide if petroleum product deregulation is implemented.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the chairman of the Petroleum Dealer Association, Abd-ul-Sami Khan, expressed concerns. He mentioned that under deregulation, petrol prices could surge by Rs20 in remote areas, exacerbating existing challenges such as petrol smuggling.
Khan highlighted the potential benefits of a bilateral agreement with Iran, suggesting it could alleviate some of the issues. He criticized the dominance of three major oil marketing companies, controlling 75% of the petrol industry.
The chairman indicated that protest banners would be displayed initially, escalating to broader protests if deregulation proceeds. He warned that deregulation could lead to the industry’s downfall.
