A shortage of fuel is looming countrywide as the Oil Tankers Association has entered a strike against increase in sales tax by the government. According to chairman of Oil Tankers Owners Association Akram Durrani, the supply of oil from oil refineries and oil depot had been stopped immediately. After the imposition of tax, per tanker was supposed to pay Rs 30,000 under taxes, said reports. Durrani said the oil sector was already burdened with various taxes; hence any new tax would put the vital sector in a challenging position to operate.
The suspension has halted oil supply to power plants and petrol stations. The protest is underway against imposition of 16 percent sales tax on services. Following their strike, oil tankers have stopped carrying supply from oil depots as well.