Petrol Stations Across Pakistan Shut in Protest Against New Taxes
Thousands of petrol stations in Pakistan were closed on Friday in protest against new taxes, leaving millions without fuel. The strike, organized by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, was in response to a 0.5% advance turnover tax on fuel stations imposed by the government. The association argued that they already pay taxes per liter and cannot afford an additional tax.
Chairman Abdul Sami Khan stated, “We will never accept further taxes,” highlighting the financial strain on petrol pump businesses. Despite government requests to end the strike, the association refused until their demands were met.
The strike resulted in long queues at state-run filling stations, with vehicles unable to refuel. The Petroleum Ministry assured adequate petroleum product supplies and urged all oil marketing companies to keep petrol pumps open.
Overall, the protest sheds light on the ongoing financial challenges faced by fuel stations in Pakistan, exacerbated by recent petrol price increases.