Petrol Pumps Face Shutdown Risk After Feb 12 Over K-Form Expiry

Tariq Masaud

Karachi: Petrol pumps across Pakistan risk becoming illegal after February 12 as mandatory K-Forms are set to expire due to delays in implementing the government’s auto gauging digitalization system, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said on January 29.

Addressing in news conference, PPDA leaders Abdul Sami Khan said the federal government has linked renewal of K-Forms to completion of petrol pump digitalization, a process that remains incomplete nationwide.

They warned that failure to renew K-Forms could disrupt fuel supply in country, as thousands of petrol pumps would technically be operating illegally after deadline.

According to the PPDA, nationwide digitalization would require an estimated Rs40 billion, placing heavy financial burden on dealers. Association leaders said oil marketing companies have already invested billion rupees in auto gauge systems, but the overall transition remains delayed.

The dealers warned that any implementation action by authorities against petrol pumps could trigger strong nationwide protests.

The PPDA demands, government conduct audit of oil marketing companies, questioning how much petroleum has been import and sold domestically.

PPDA reps further said that the dealer margins approved by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) have yet to be applied, adding to financial pressure on fuel retailers.

Criticizing government policy, association said making electric vehicle (EV) chargers mandatory at all petrol pumps is impractical, as only 2 to 3 percent of electric vehicles in Pakistan. They noted that nearly 60 percent of population lives in rural areas, where demand for EV charging infrastructure remains minimal.

The dealers urged the government to reconsider the digitalization timeline & consult stakeholders to prevent fuel supply disruptions.