Petrol pump owners warn of nationwide shutdown amid unresolved issues

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned of a nationwide shutdown threat, escalating pressure on the government amid unresolved operational and financial issues affecting thousands of fuel retailers.

In a strongly worded letter dated March 25, 2026, addressed to Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, the association expressed frustration over what it called the continued neglect of industry concerns despite earlier correspondence.

The association stated, “Unfortunately, we were not heard,” referring to its previous letter sent on March 6, while urging the government to take immediate notice of the mounting challenges facing petrol pump operators across the country.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the body emphasized that nearly 14,000 to 15,000 petrol pump owners are grappling with issues ranging from operational constraints to pricing mechanisms and abrupt policy shifts under force majeure conditions.

The association stressed the need for inclusive decision-making, noting, “We strongly suggest that the industry stakeholders be taken on board while making decisions related to the petroleum industry.”

It sought an urgent meeting with the minister to discuss and resolve these concerns, warning that continued inaction could trigger severe consequences.

 The letter further cautioned, “In case we are unheard, then we would be compelled to shut down the business, and that will add another fuel crisis in Pakistan.” It further added that responsibility for any such crisis would lie with the petroleum ministry and division.

The government has yet to issue an official response to the association’s latest warning.