Nationwide Petrol Pump Shutdown: Dealers Protest Daily Pricing Policy

A nationwide strike by petrol pump dealers is set to begin on Thursday, with all petrol pumps across the country shutting down for 24 hours in protest against the government's daily pricing policy for petroleum products. The Petroleum Dealers Association has announced that the strike will commence at 6am on Thursday and will end at 6am on Friday. The association has been negotiating with the government over the daily pricing mechanism, which they claim is unacceptable and causing immense losses to transporters. The daily pricing policy, which is based on a seven-day weekly average of international market prices, has been in place since July 1, 2026, and is aimed at ensuring transparency and allowing the immediate impact of international price fluctuations to be passed on to consumers. However, the dealers argue that the policy is causing continuous inflation and that the public is not benefiting when international petroleum prices fall. The strike has received support from various transport associations, including the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association and the Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association. The Pakistan Business Forum has called on the dealers to reconsider their strike decision, citing the negative impact it will have on the public and the economy. Meanwhile, a private organisation has challenged the daily pricing policy in the Lahore High Court, arguing that it is arbitrary and contrary to the Constitution and law.