On July 22, fuel pump operators across Pakistan will initiate a nationwide strike in an effort to secure larger margins amidst an ongoing inflation crisis. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, with over 10,000 members, confirmed the decision to close all petrol pumps at 6 p.m. on the specified date.
The association released a statement citing the adverse impact of high interest rates and inflation on their businesses, urging for an increase in the dealership margin. They also expressed concern over a 30% decline in sales, attributing it to the smuggling of Iranian fuel into the country.
Abdul Sami Khan, chairman of the association, stated that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 operators represented by them would be participating in the strike.
Pakistan is grappling with a weakening currency and a prolonged period of inflation, with the national rate reaching 29.4% in June, though it declined from the record high of 38% witnessed in May.