The Pakistan Oil Tankers Association (POTA) and transport contractors have given the government a 72-hour ultimatum, warning they will launch a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
Speaking at a joint press conference, association representatives said responsibility for any disruption caused by the proposed strike would lie with the Ministry of Petroleum and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The association called for the immediate withdrawal of the government’s commercial loading policy, arguing that it has created serious operational difficulties for the oil transport sector.
Association representative Abidullah Afridi said oil tanker freight rates have remained unchanged for the past three years, despite a sharp rise in operating expenses.
He added that toll charges imposed by the National Highway Authority (NHA) on motorways and highways have increased by 180%, urging the government to revise freight rates in line with the higher costs.
The latest warning comes after the Dumpers Association rejected the government’s proposal to introduce daily revisions in petroleum product prices, saying the policy would create uncertainty for the transport industry.
Association President Haji Liaquat Mehsud said daily fuel price fluctuations would disrupt transport operations, affect freight charges, construction activities and the supply of essential goods, ultimately increasing costs for consumers.
He urged the government to reconsider the proposal and adopt a more stable fuel pricing mechanism, warning that the association would announce further action if the policy was not withdrawn.
On Wednesday, OGRA increased the price of petrol by Rs6.39 per litre for one day, taking the retail price to Rs327.12 per litre.