KARACHI: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) on Friday warned that petrol pumps across Pakistan could shut down indefinitely from March 27 if the government fails to raise the dealers’ profit margin to eight percent.

The announcement came during an emergency press conference at the Karachi Press Club, where PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said that dealers were struggling to operate as margins had dropped to 2.68 percent amid rising petroleum prices. “We were promised an eight percent margin, but current rates make it impossible for us to continue business,” he stated.

PPDA Vice Chairman Tariq Hassan also expressed concern over a potential new fuel price increase this week, claiming petrol prices could jump by Rs50 to Rs60 per litre. The association urged the government to fulfill its commitment or risk a nationwide shutdown.

Another official, Waseem Qadri, explained that fixing the margin at eight percent would increase dealers’ earnings from approximately Rs8 per litre to nearly Rs25 per litre, providing much-needed financial relief to struggling operators.

Dealers also raised concerns over the widespread sale of Iranian diesel and petrol in the country, claiming it was undermining the local fuel market. The association said imported fuel was being sold without proper regulation, affecting supply and dealer profitability.

This latest warning follows concerns raised last week by the All-Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association, which highlighted artificial fuel shortages caused by delayed tanker deliveries and quota restrictions by oil marketing companies. Officials cautioned that such measures could trigger public panic if fuel supplies are disrupted, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to stabilize the market.