KARACHI: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has refused to join the government’s fuel relief scheme until authorities clarify how subsidized payments will reach dealers.
The association warned that petrol stations could close if the government forces dealers to participate without addressing their concerns.
PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh and other office-bearers expressed their reservations about the federal government’s fuel subsidy programme during a press conference in Karachi.
Dealers Demand Clear Subsidy Payment Mechanism
PPDA Vice Chairman Anwar Kamal said dealers would not participate in the scheme until the government clearly explains the payment process.
He warned that dealers could shut fuel stations if authorities imposed the scheme on them.
Kamal said the government had developed the fuel relief programme without consulting petroleum dealers.
He welcomed the government’s decision to provide fuel relief to consumers. However, he said the association had serious concerns about the scheme’s mechanism.
Kamal called for a direct and simple system that would provide relief to consumers without creating problems for fuel dealers.
PPDA Questions Who Will Pay the Subsidy
Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh described the fuel relief initiative as a positive step.
However, he said the government had not explained who would pay the subsidized amount to dealers.
“We need to know who will pay the subsidy to dealers,” Baksh said, stressing the need for a clear payment mechanism.
He said the government should explain the process before asking dealers to participate in the programme.
Dealers Seek Direct Payments to Consumers
The PPDA demanded that the government pay fuel relief funds directly to consumers.
Baksh also called for the use of the previous mechanism for distributing fuel subsidies.
He said the association supported the objective of providing fuel relief but objected to the proposed implementation process.
The dealers’ body called for a pause in implementation until the government addresses its concerns.
The association said it would reconsider participation once authorities provide clear answers about the subsidy payment process.
