KARACHI: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a nationwide strike on July 5 in protest against the government’s imposition of a 0.5% advance turnover tax, ARY News reported.
PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan stated that while talks with the government are scheduled for Monday in Islamabad, failure to reach an agreement will result in the closure of petrol pumps across Pakistan. Khan expressed grave concerns about the advance turnover tax, warning that the strike might extend beyond a single day if necessary. He urged the government to immediately withdraw the tax, highlighting its detrimental impact on the viability of petrol dealerships.
This announcement follows the federal government’s recent decision to increase petrol prices by Rs 7.45 per litre, raising the cost to Rs 265.61 per litre. High-speed diesel (HSD) prices were also increased by Rs 9.56 per litre, now set at Rs 277.45 per litre.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal government has also 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. This proposal, if approved, would result in an additional Rs 50 per litre charge on these fuels.
