Oil tankers association divides over strike call
Oil tankers association has called for nationwide boycott of oil supply.
KARACHI (Dunya News) - The oil tankers association has divided into two groups over the issue of countrywide strike today (Monday).
Oil tankers carrier operators have called off the strike while oil tankers owners association has decided to observe countrywide strike.
The strike has been pressurized by the oil marketing companies as several feared that after the incident of Ahmadpur Sharqia, the license of Shell Company might be cancelled.
READ: Shell fined for deadly tanker blast in Ahmadpur Sharqia
The countrywide strike call was given against harsh treatment by the police officials, resulting in loss of oil transport industry.
According to the statement of Oil Tankers Association, the incident at Ahmadpur Sharqia has been condemned at its highest level but if the National Highway Police had reached on time and dispersed locals from the incident site, the death toll would have been be less and the tragedy would have been averted.
“We are already paying advance tax and now facing tough time from the high way police and other officials. Numerous operators are facing huge losses because of heavy challans and penalties,” the association stated, adding that “the given rules of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority followed would result in additional cost of up gradation ranging from Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh. This would be additional cost and transporters are unable to bear this burden.”
The oil tankers association demanded the government to give some time and give some financial facility to meet the defined rules of the regulatory authority.
