The petroleum dealers and the government have failed to reach an agreement, leaving a deadlock over the proposed strike.
The dealers have said that the government is not willing to withdraw its decision to set petroleum product prices on a daily basis. The talks between a delegation of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) and the Petroleum Ministry continued for five hours on Wednesday, but no agreement was reached on ending the strike. The petroleum minister also expressed displeasure over the dealers' 72-hour ultimatum.
Govt offers to increase petroleum dealers' margin by Rs1.34 per litre
According to sources, the government has offered to increase petroleum dealers' margin by Rs1.34 per litre. Approval of the increase, however, is subject to the federal cabinet's consent.
With no progress in the talks, the petroleum dealers have decided to return to Karachi today. An emergency meeting of the PPDA Executive Committee has also been called in Karachi.
The PPDA have said that the dealers remain committed to their decision to go on strike on Saturday morning.
