Countrywide Petrol Strike Begins Tomorrow Over ‘Cruel’ Turnover Tax
— July 4, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has announced a countrywide strike starting tomorrow, July 5, after negotiations with the government and stakeholders failed to resolve their demands. More than 13,000 petrol stations will close from 6 a.m. onwards, with the strike potentially continuing until the demands are met.
The petrol dealers are protesting against the imposition of a turnover tax in the recent budget, which they claim is double taxation and unconstitutional. Despite assurances from the government, the dealers have decided to proceed with the strike, citing a lack of concrete action on their demands.
“No more talks until unfair turnover tax is withdrawn,” said Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the PPDA. “We have met with nearly every stakeholder in the government, but our complaints remain unaddressed. The double taxation is not only cruel but unconstitutional as well,” he added.
The strike is expected to cause significant inconvenience to the public and industry. While the government is working to resolve the issue through legislative means, the dealers remain firm in their stance, insisting that they will not back down until the turnover tax is withdrawn.