KARACHI: Habibullah Afridi, president of the Oil Tankers Contractors Association, issued a stark warning on Thursday night, calling for a complete strike by fuel transporters in response to the government’s recent diesel price increase announced on April 2.
In a video statement, Afridi urged all oil tanker owners to cease loading fuel until transport fares are substantially increased to offset rising operational costs. “The recent increase in diesel prices is pure loss for us — no benefit, no advantage,” he stated, emphasizing that current fare structures render fuel transportation economically unviable across provinces.
آئل ٹینکر ایسوسی ایشن کے صدر نے گاڑیاں لوڈ نا کرنے کا اعلان کر دیا pic.twitter.com/7OL5LmnXc6
— Ahmad Hassan Bobak (@ahmad__bobak) April 3, 2026
Afridi highlighted the economic logic of the proposed strike, noting that keeping tankers stationary is preferable to operating at a loss. “If we take fuel load from Karachi to KP or Punjab, it’s a huge loss for us in terms of fare. If our transport remains empty and stationary, comparatively, it’s beneficial for us, or at least no loss,” he explained.
The association chief leveled sharp criticism at the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the relevant ministry, accusing them of perpetrating “tyranny and oppression” upon transporters.
Afridi revealed that he has spent the past week attempting to engage government officials through phone calls, media statements, and written correspondence, but alleged that officials have resorted to excuses and delaying tactics.
“Ministers and their ministries play with us,” Afridi said, stressing that unless the government sits down to resolve the sector’s grievances, the strike will proceed. “We are the owners of our oil tankers. Stop plying tankers on roads unless and until our demands are met,” he concluded.
