OGRA directs oil companies to keep petrol pumps open

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) instructed oil marketing companies (OMCs) to ensure uninterrupted petrol supply ahead of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealer’s Association (PPDA) strike on Friday.

The PPDA plans to close all stations except those in Islamabad from 6 am onwards on Friday (today). The association has announced plans to protest the government’s imposition of a 0.5 per cent advance income tax on turnover. They claim it will render their operations financially unsustainable, especially with already slim profit margins.

Read more: Citizens flock to petrol pumps following closure announcement

In response, the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) coordinated with OGRA to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the strike. The ministry instructed all oil marketing companies to maintain adequate fuel stocks, especially petrol. OGRA also instructed the oil companies to ensure that petrol pumps operate smoothly on Friday.

A monitoring cell was also established to oversee the fuel supply situation. The aim is to minimise any impact on public access to petroleum products.

OGRA and the Petroleum Division reassured the public of sufficient availability of petroleum products across Pakistan in a joint statement.

OGRA expresses annoyance with media reporting

However, OGRA expressed annoyance with media reports regarding its correspondences with the refining sector. It criticised what it perceived as “unprofessional handling” of “sensitive industry-related” issues.

Public buses to remain operational in Karachi

Officials in Karachi have confirmed that the People’s Bus Service will remain operational on Friday. They assured the public that the public buses will continue to receive fuel supply, ensuring uninterrupted service.

The authorities said they have enqueued all “necessary arrangements” to ensure travel facilities remain available to the public.