Govt Fails to End Petrol Dealers Strike

Petroleum dealers in Pakistan have decided to go on an indefinite nationwide strike starting August 15, following unsuccessful negotiations with the government over their concerns about the daily adjustment of petroleum product prices. Malik Khuda Baksh, Chairman of the Petroleum Dealers Association, stated that the government refused to modify the daily fuel price adjustment system during their talks.

The government, however, promised dealers that they would consider raising their margin by Rs. 1.34, pending approval from the federal cabinet.

The dealers rejected the proposed outcome and proceeded with the strike from Saturday morning, according to the association. This development follows the dealers' earlier 72-hour deadline given to the government to address their demands and a warning of a nationwide shutdown. The dealers have been advocating for changes to the mechanism used to determine fuel prices, particularly in the wake of the government's move towards more frequent adjustments in petroleum prices.

Meanwhile, a separate nationwide strike by goods transporters continues for its sixth day. The talks between transporters and the federal and Sindh governments have also failed to reach an agreement. Malik Shahzad Awan, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, said that transporters would continue their strike until their demands are met and formally acknowledged. He urged transporters to remain peaceful and refrain from blocking roads.