The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has announced a nationwide strike starting July 5, during which petrol stations across the country will be closed. The association is demanding the government immediately withdraw its decision to impose an advance tax.
At a recent press conference, Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, explained that the new budget imposes a 0.5 percent advance turnover tax, which he claims will devastate the petrol pump business.
“We are already operating petrol pumps with minimal profit margins, and the current high inflation rates make it extremely challenging to sustain our businesses,” said Khan. “The additional tax burden will destroy our business. We have no choice but to shut down due to this unfair tax.”
Khan also mentioned that despite meeting with the finance minister, they received no satisfactory response to their concerns.
Demands of the Petroleum Dealers Association
The association has called for the advance income tax to be abolished within four days. “We have made it clear that we will take strict action if our demands are not met,” stated Abdul Sami Khan.
Representing 14,000 dealers, the association emphasized its unified stance. “On July 5, petrol pumps across the country will shut down and go on strike,” Abdul Sami Khan announced.
