Countrywide strike: Pakistan petrol stations witness long queues

Lahore: Long queues of vehicles have been seen at petrol pumps across the country as the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) announced a nationwide strike and closure of fuel stations, starting today (Thursday)— effective from 6:00am in the morning. 

As per PPDA, petroleum dealers in Pakistan will go on a nationwide strike today—accusing the Imran Khan-led government of failing to increase the profit margin.

Soon after the announcement, citizens in large numbers swarmed the petrol stations to purchase the fuel, blocking the pumps until late last night.

GNN reported citing sources, heavy traffic jams, chaos, and the rush was witnessed across Pakistan earlier yesterday ahead of the countrywide petrol strike.  

In populous cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, people were seen stranded outside the petrol stations waiting to refill their vehicles.

In the meantime, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken notice of disruption being created in fuel supply nationwide and warned that strict action would be taken over hindering supply to petrol pumps. 

Moreover, the dealers did not mention when the strike will end. 

However, the Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Shell Pakistan, and Hascol Pakistan, have all issued a notification stating that all Company Operated and Company Controlled (COCO) Petrol Pumps will remain open  during the nationwide Petrol Strike.

The PPDA issued a handout according to which petroleum dealers held a meeting in Lahore on November 20, where it was pointed out that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government would raise the profit margin three years back. 

Previously, the dealers had announced the strike on November 05 but withdrew it after a government delegation held a meeting with them on November 3 to fulfil their demands.

Pakistan's economy is currently grappling with high inflation, current account deficit, historical currency devaluation and dwindling of foreign reserves.