The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) has called off its planned strike for March 4 after successful talks with the federal government on petroleum sector deregulation. APPDA spokesperson Noman Ali Butt confirmed the decision following discussions with Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, who assured that deregulation would not affect dealers’ profit margins. Both sides agreed that APPDA would be consulted on future policies, and the government committed to curbing oil smuggling from Iran. The strike was initially planned over concerns that deregulation would allow oil marketing companies to set fuel prices.