The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has threatened to close petrol stations nationwide on July 5 unless the government revokes the advance tax.
During a press conference, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan criticized the 0.5% advance turnover tax levied on petroleum dealers by the latest finance bill, labelling it unsustainable for petrol pump businesses.
Khan called on the government to promptly eliminate the advance tax, cautioning that failure would force them to cease operations across the country.
He pointed out declining sales for petroleum dealers and accused the government of facilitating smuggling. Khan claimed that those who oppose these measures face intimidation, and the additional transaction taxes are exacerbating the burden on dealers.
Khan also mentioned that the Prime Minister has indicated an inability to alter the tax policy.
A delegation of petroleum dealers plans to visit Islamabad today to discuss their concerns with the Finance Minister, the Petroleum Minister, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
 has warned that they will shut down petrol stations across the country on July 5 if the newly imposed 0.5% advance tax is not removed.){kind=link}