November 24, 2021 (MLN): In view of the announced strike by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Shell Pakistan have announced to keep company-operated retail outlets open on November 25, the oil marketing companies (OMC) informed the public on Wednesday.
The PPDA on Wednesday announced a country-wide strike to protest against low margins. PPDA Secretary Noman Butt while speaking to the media said that all petrol pumps will be closed at 6pm Thursday for an indefinite period across the entire country.
“In apropos to a news related to strike by the PPDA, PSO would like to inform that all our company-owned, company-operated (COCO) stations would remain open continue to function normally,” the OMC said in a public notice issued through Twitter.
In addition, Shell Pakistan also uploaded a list of 31 COCO stations that would remain open on the website. In a notice, the OMC said that “we are not a part of the strike called by the PPDA on 25th November 2021. Shell Pakistan would like to inform you that all our company-operate retail sites will remain open to serve you.”
There are around 9,500 petrol pumps in the country selling approximately 1.15 billion liters of petrol and 1bn liters of HSD every month.
Butt had said the government was refusing to pay heed to their demands and said the strike call would remain in place until dealers’ profit margins are increased.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in a summary dated November 22, 2021 reviewed recommendations proposed by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).
The PIDE has sought a 25% increase in dealers’ margin on both petrol and diesel from existing Rs3.91 and Rs3.3 per liter to Rs4.9 and Rs4.13 per liter respectively. The PPDA has refused the increase proposed by PIDE demanding further increase in margins.
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