The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has issued a stern warning saying that they will close petrol stations across the country on July 5 if the pre-tax is not raised.
In a press conference, PPDA chairman Abdul Sami Khan expressed serious concern about the 0.5% withholding tax levied on oil traders in the latest financial legislation.
This tax, he said, will make the gas pump business unsustainable.
Khan called on the government to immediately remove the withholding tax, warning that it will have no choice but to shut down operations across the country if the tax is imposed.
Noting that sales were falling for oil traders, he threatened to accuse the government of supporting illegal imports. Khan also said that the tax levied on every procurement transaction is weighing heavily on oil traders.
According to Khan, the prime minister said he was weak on the issue of taxation.
A delegation of oil traders will visit Islamabad today to meet the Finance Minister, the Petroleum Minister and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
