Petrol pump owners warn of nationwide shutdown over unmet demands

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association has threatened to shut down thousands of petrol pumps across the country if their demands are not addressed, raising concerns about a potential fuel crisis nationwide.

According to an official statement issued by the association, a fresh letter has been sent requesting an urgent meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. The association noted that a previous letter sent on March 6 had not received any response.

The letter highlighted that the petroleum sector is currently facing serious operational, financial, and policy-level challenges. It further stated that sudden policy changes have made the situation more complex and difficult for stakeholders to manage. The association emphasized that the government must include industry stakeholders in the policy-making process.

The statement added that around 14,000 to 15,000 petrol pump owners across the country are struggling with these issues. If immediate steps are not taken, they may be forced to shut down operations nationwide.

The association warned that any such closure could trigger a severe fuel shortage across Pakistan, holding the Ministry of Petroleum responsible for the consequences.