KARACHI (Web Desk) - Negotiations between petroleum dealers and the government have failed, making an indefinite nationwide strike by petroleum dealers starting Saturday at 6:00 AM virtually inevitable.
The atmosphere remained tense during talks between the delegation led by the Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman and the Federal Minister for Petroleum. Negotiations lasted for five hours.
The Federal Minister expressed displeasure over the 72-hour ultimatum given by the petroleum dealers.
According to the Association's Chairman, the government refused to modify the daily fuel price adjustment mechanism during the talks. While the government assured consideration of a Rs 1.34 increase in dealer margins, it stipulated that final approval rests with the Cabinet.
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In response to the Minister’s stance, the delegation decided to return immediately and called an emergency executive committee meeting. Representatives maintained that they stand firm on their decision to commence the strike on Saturday morning.