KARACHI: All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association announced a nationwide shutdown of fuel stations on March 4 in protest against the government’s deregulation policy.

According to the association, a crucial meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik is scheduled to discuss concerns over the policy. The dealers warned that if they are not taken into confidence, they will shut down fuel stations indefinitely from March 4. Raza Abbas, a leader of the association’s central executive committee, stated that they are willing to support Musadik Malik in implementing the deregulation policy, but only if they are consulted. He underlined that deregulation should not be limited to petroleum prices alone but should encompass the entire oil sector. He also clarified that the association has no affiliation with Abdul Sami Khan, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman.