The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has said that a nationwide shutdown on July 5 if the government does not refund the advance tax executed on them.

During a press conference, PPDA Chairman Abdul Samad Khan voiced strong concerns over the 0.5% advance turnover tax included in the Finance Bill 2024-25. Khan emphasized that this tax renders the operation of petrol pumps unfeasible, urging the government to review and abolish it immediately. He notified that without this change, dealers would force to stop operations across the country.

Impact on Oil Marketing Companies

The association members stressed that the interests of oil marketing firms are paramount. They disapproved the government for imposing taxes on everything, noting that petroleum dealers’ sales have dropped. Khan indicted the government of supporting trafficking and threatening those who face it.

Current Advance Tax on Petrol

Samad pointed out that tax is already charged on every transaction of sold goods, adding that the Prime Minister claims to be forced to implement these taxes.

Upcoming Meetings

A delegation from the PPDA is on its way to Islamabad to meet with the Finance Minister, Petroleum Minister, and FBR Chairman. If their issues continue unresolved, the nationwide closure will continue as planned on July 5.