The government on Wednesday started talks with the Petroleum Dealers Association after the latter announced to go on a countrywide strike from Thursday (tomorrow) in protest against the unmet demand of keeping their margin at six per cent.

In a statement, the Petroleum Dealers Association spokesperson announced that all the fuel stations across the country would remain closed from Thursday morning 6am.

The association's spokesperson said that the government had promised to keep their margins to six per cent till November 17. The fuel stations would remain shut down till further notification, the spokesperson added.

It is pertinent to mention that fuel would only be available at government-owned fuel stations.

On the other hand, the Oil Tankers Association distanced itself from the strike.

Reacting to the development, Energy Minister Hammad Azhar tweeted that the government was trying to appease the Petroleum Dealers Association.

“We are in touch with petroleum dealers association. A summary regarding revision of their margins has already been tabled in ECC and a decision will be taken in its next session,” he said in a tweet.