The protest over the recent imposition of higher taxes on gasoline sales by the federal government came to an end on Friday when the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) declared the end of its strike.
Following discussions to lessen the problems the public was experiencing as a result of the disruption in fuel supplies, a decision was made.
Chairman Abdul Sami Khan conveyed his happiness with the strike’s outcome, pointing out how it helped draw attention to the association’s complaints about the tax laws.
But he also pointed out that not everyone participated in the strike, especially in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where gas stations carried on as usual.
The Petroleum Division in Islamabad responded to the strike by taking aggressive steps to lessen its consequences.
Fuel availability at gas pumps around the country was directed to be continuously provided by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and related entities.
Monitoring teams were sent in by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other pertinent authorities to ensure compliance and avert supply chain interruptions.
In response to the PPDA’s concerns, the government has convened meetings with the Finance Ministry and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to review matters concerning petroleum product tax regulations. There are currently attempts to resolve the ongoing conflict in a fashion that all parties can agree upon.
