Karachi (NNI) Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has announced to close the petrol pumps across the country for an indefinite period from July 22 due to non-increase in the dealer margin. During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, he said that due to the prolongation of the strike, the pumps will be opened for only 2 days on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Demand is Rs 11 per litre.
He alleged that open smuggling of Iranian petrol and diesel is going on under government patronage. He said that the sales of authorized petroleum dealers have decreased by 30% due to the increased sales of smuggled Iranian petrol and diesel. He said that the Minister of State for Petroleum was informed of these facts by repeatedly contacting him, but no response was received from him. Abdul Sami Khan said that the licenses of 20 dealers have been canceled by the petroleum dealers for selling Iranian petrol, there are black sheep in the association, while the Chief Minister of Balochistan has clearly said that the petrol is coming from Iran.
He said that Iranian petrol and diesel are being sold at a price of 55 rupees less than the official price at the box pumps of Sarhad-Baluchistan, Sindh-Baluchistan. The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization is also afraid to take action against the sellers of Iranian petrol. Abdul Sami Khan said that the inflation rate has reached the highest level with 28% compared to last year, the interest rate, electricity and other bills have also increased significantly.