PPDA vows consultation to resolve issues facing dealers

KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh has said the association’s leadership is prioritising the resolution of dealers’ issues and that its members have the freedom to express their views, while reiterating support for the government’s Fuel Relief Package.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by PPDA Vice Chairman Anwar Kamal in honour of journalists, Khuda Bakhsh said petroleum dealers had played a significant role in the implementation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Fuel Relief Package and that dealers across the country were implementing the scheme. The government and PPDA had reached an agreement in September on the mechanism for reimbursement of the relief amount, following concerns raised by dealers over the implementation process.

Khuda Bakhsh said Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had assured the association that the consultation process with petroleum dealers would be accelerated and made more effective in the future.

“We also believe that issues can only be resolved through mutual consultation. We will continue to support all positive policies of the government, but the government must also fulfil the commitments it has made to the leadership of the petroleum dealers,” he said.

Responding to a question about the government’s electric vehicle (EV) policy, Khuda Bakhsh said greater facilities and incentives for electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure could help Pakistan reduce its dependence on imported fuel.

He said promoting solar energy and electric vehicles could also help reduce dependence on imported fuel and, in his view, contribute to lowering the rising costs of petrol and electricity.

Khuda Bakhsh said the PPDA wanted to resolve dealers’ issues through negotiations and would seek, in consultation with oil marketing companies, decisions acceptable to both petroleum dealers and OMCs.

PPDA Vice Chairman Malik Sher Khan said the issues faced by petroleum dealers could not be continuously ignored, as the sector was linked to the businesses of thousands of entrepreneurs and provided employment to millions of people.

Another PPDA Vice Chairman, Anwar Kamal, said petroleum dealers played an important role in the country’s economy and energy sector. He said rising costs, various charges, rent-related imbalances and other issues were making it increasingly difficult for dealers to continue their businesses.

PPDA Vice Chairman Tariq Hassan said the association would not compromise on the legitimate rights and interests of petroleum dealers. He said the PPDA remained committed to protecting the interests of dealers across the country while pursuing practical measures to address their concerns through continued consultation with oil marketing companies.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026