ISLAMABAD: Petroleum dealers have announced a nationwide strike on July 5 (Friday) against the implementation of advance tax in the budget for the upcoming financial year 2024-25.
Abdul Samad Khan, chairman of Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), announced in a press conference that if the government does not withdraw the decision, all filling stations across the country will remain closed.
It is estimated that there will be no availability of petrol and diesel in the country on Friday this week. This will affect transportation services in the country as they depend on these petroleum products to function.
Abdul Samad Khan expressed concern over the 0.5 percent advance turnover tax included in the Finance Bill 2024-25. He said that this will make it impossible for petrol pumps to run. He asked the government to end it immediately otherwise “we are left with no option but to stop operations”.
The Finance Bill 2024-25, prepared under the auspices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was passed by the National Assembly in late June.