Energy Minister to negotiate with Oil Tankers Association

ISLAMABAD: The government has invited the Oil Tankers and Contractors Association for negotiation on Friday (today) after they announced a countrywide strike.

A delegation of the Oil Tankers and Contractors Association have been called to the Petroleum Division where they will meet Energy Minister Hamad Azhar. The strike has been called by the association over the increase in tax rates and other issues. They have also announced to suspended oil supply to Karachi and other areas of the country.

The Oil Tankers Owners Association distanced itself from the strike, adding that they would continue to supply oil to Karachi and other depots as per the usual routine. The strike has raised concerns over a shortage of petroleum products at petrol pumps that receive the supplies through the oil tankers from depots of oil marketing companies (OMCs).

It must be mentioned that All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association has distanced themselves from the strike. However, APOTCA President Abidullah Afridi denied rumours that they have called off the strike and said they would remain on strike until their demands are fully met.

He also said that the oil tankers contractors and owners have upgraded their vehicles to transport oil supplies from Karachi other parts of the county, but OMCs have laid White Oil Pipeline from Karachi to Punjab to transport oil.

The association is also demanding a reduction of tax rate on oil transportation and fixation of queue system at oil storage facilities. They said the government had promised to cut the tax rate to 2 percent in the budget from 3 percent which has not been implemented.

They also urged to fix the queue system at oil storage facilities as tankers belonging to influential people are given priority while others have to wait for long durations.