Petrol dealers oppose govt officials’ power to seal pumps

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has proposed the inclusion of dealers in a committee to thrash out rules related to the Petroleum Act of 1934. In a meeting with the oil sector stakeholders at the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) head office on Thursday, the minister discussed issues like dealer margins with Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA). The PPDA chief complained about “unchecked powers” granted to assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners to inspect and seal petrol pumps. “The decision has brought anxiety to petroleum dealers,” Mr Sami said. The petroleum minister assured the dealers that their concerns would be addressed through “constructive dialogue”.