ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Petroleum Dealers announced a nationwide strike of petrol pumps on July 5, 2024, in protest against the government’s imposition of a 0.5 percent advance tax in the latest budget, as per media report .
The Petroleum Dealers Association demands that the federal government immediately withdraw the advance tax, warning that its implementation will destroy the petrol pump business.
Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, expressed grave concerns about the latest tax imposition, stating that petrol pumps are already operating on minimal profit margins amid soaring inflation.
“The tax will destroy the petrol pump business. We are barely surviving amidst the highest rate of inflation, and this additional tax burden is unsustainable,” he said.
Sami mentioned that despite meeting with the Finance Minister, they received no satisfactory responses to their concerns.
Khan stressed that the advance income tax must be abolished within four days to prevent the strike. “There is no option but to close the business due to unfair taxation,” the Chairman asserted.
“There is no way in the world to operate petrol pumps at a loss. The government must act immediately to address our concerns,” Khan concluded.
The association has stated that they will take strict measures if the tax is not withdrawn. “We have warned of severe consequences. The outcomes will be adverse, and the government will struggle to manage the fallout,” Sami stated.
