Oil Tankers Association Gives 72-Hour Strike Ultimatum
The Pakistan Oil Tankers Association and contractors have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal government, warning that a nationwide strike could begin if their demands are not addressed. The announcement came on Thursday as fuel-sector pressure continued to build after repeated petroleum price changes and growing unrest among transport-linked businesses.
Speaking at a joint press conference, representatives of the association said any disruption caused by the proposed strike would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Petroleum and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. Their warning adds another layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s fuel supply chain, already under stress from rising prices, dealer concerns and international market volatility.
The association demanded the immediate withdrawal of the commercial loading policy, arguing that the measure has created serious operational difficulties for the tanker transport sector. Members said the policy had increased pressure on contractors and made routine fuel movement more complicated at a time when transport costs are already rising sharply.
Association representative Abidullah Afridi said freight rates for oil tankers had not been revised for the past three years despite a major increase in operating expenses. He said the sector was facing higher costs for maintenance, labour, fuel, tolls and compliance, while income from transport contracts had not been adjusted accordingly.
The association also raised concern over what it described as a sharp rise in motorway and National Highway Authority toll taxes. It claimed that toll charges had increased by around 180 percent and urged the government to revise freight rates in proportion to the higher transport burden placed on tanker operators.
The warning comes amid wider resistance from transport bodies over the government’s daily petroleum price revision mechanism. Earlier, the Dumpers Association also rejected daily fuel price adjustments, saying frequent changes would disturb transport planning, create uncertainty for businesses and eventually increase pressure on consumers.
The fuel sector has been under intense public focus after petrol and diesel prices were revised upward again. Petrol was raised by Rs6.39 per litre to Rs327.12, while high-speed diesel increased by Rs7.83 per litre to Rs375.04, creating concern among motorists, freight operators, public transporters and businesses dependent on road logistics.
For Pakistan, any strike by oil tanker operators could have a quick and visible impact because fuel distribution depends heavily on road transport from depots, ports and refineries to filling stations and commercial users. A prolonged shutdown could affect petrol pumps, industrial supply, public transport, agriculture, freight movement and emergency services.
The warning is also politically sensitive because the government is already facing criticism over fuel prices, daily rate changes and dealer margin disputes. If tanker operators join other transport groups in escalating pressure, authorities may have to negotiate across multiple fronts to prevent a wider fuel supply crisis.
The next 72 hours will be critical as the government, OGRA and petroleum-sector stakeholders assess whether the ultimatum can be resolved through talks. A settlement could prevent disruption, but failure to address the association’s demands may push the country toward another nationwide fuel-related shutdown threat.