Karachi:

Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has rejected the proposed change of the Petroleum Act of 1934, providing additional powers to the civilian bureaucracy to monitor petroleum traders and threatened a nationwide strike.

PPDA President Abdul Sami Khan on Saturday approached a press conference at Karachi Press Club with other officials, including association manager Malik Khuda Bakhsh.

Khan said the Federal Government’s changes to petroleum laws are unacceptable and that the association will adopt a strict attitude towards changes in the Petroleum Act of 1934.

He said the amendments would provide additional powers to Assistant Commissioners (ACS) and Deputy Commissioners (DCS) rather than the regulator, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

“A meeting with the Petroleum Minister is scheduled for Monday 26 May to discuss the proposed change. If our claims are not met during the meeting, we will continue with a nationwide strike,” he said.

He recognized the need for legal changes to slow down petroleum smuggling, but expressed concern that fuel dealers would end up being unfairly targeted. “Despite the government insurance from the government, petroleum margins have not increased for several years,” he added.

Malik Khuda Bakhsh said that during the proposed change of Petroleum Act, ACS and DCS would have authority to investigate any problems involving fuel stations. He said a fuel pump fired in the Shah Faisal area of ​​Karachi and that it was later discovered that the license had been issued by a DC.

“This is an outdated law and such powers should rest with a regulator like OGRA,” he argued.

Another association member, Raja Waseem, said that such extensive powers should not be transferred to the bureaucracy. “Decisions made behind closed doors involve only oil marketing companies (OMCs) while we, the dealers, are excluded,” he said.