A new and major crisis has now arisen amidst the already bad economic conditions in the neighboring country Pakistan. In protest against the huge increase in toll tax rates on national highways and expressways by the government, Pakistan’s Oil Tanker Association and All Pakistan Truck Trailers Association have started a nationwide indefinite Chakka Jam strike. The drivers have clearly said that until the government does not withdraw the increased toll tax, they will completely stop the transportation of petrol and diesel from the oil depots. Due to this strike, the supply of fuel in the entire Pakistan has reached the verge of being disrupted.
The massive hike in toll tax, ranging from 100 to 300 per cent, has sparked anger.
Leaders of the Oil Tanker All Pakistan Association allege that the National Highway Authority (NHA) has overnight increased toll tax rates by an unprecedented 100 to 300 percent. They say that drivers and transporters, already suffering from inflation, expensive diesel, and spare parts, cannot afford to pay such a high toll tax. The striking drivers have issued an ultimatum to the government, saying that if their demands are not met immediately, they will completely stop the supply of petrol and diesel to all major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.
Fear of petrol pumps being shut down in cities, creating panic among the general public
As news of the drivers’ indefinite strike spread, widespread panic gripped the public in major Pakistani cities. Long queues of vehicles began forming at petrol pumps, as people feared that fuel would run out within the next 24 to 48 hours. In many areas, petrol pumps displayed signs stating “Out of Stock” due to the lack of supplies. This solidarity among transporters has put the Shahbaz Sharif government on the back foot.
Talks with the government are inconclusive, and transporters are in a fighting mood.
Initial talks between government officials and transport association representatives were inconclusive. Transporters say the government is offering only empty assurances, while they will not move their vehicles until the notification is rescinded. If this blockade continues for two more days, not only will normal traffic in Pakistan come to a standstill, but the halt in freight transport will also adversely affect the supply of essential food items, potentially fueling inflation in the country.