Pakistan petrol retailers call off strike after deal with govt

Pakistan’s petrol retailers called off a nationwide strike late on Thursday after reaching an agreement with the government over an increase in profit margins, according to the country’s energy minister.

The strike had begun early on Thursday as the main industry body flagged low profit margins, exacerbated by the government’s move to raise taxes and boost revenue under its agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The talks between the Govt and petroleum dealers association has led to the strike being called off,” said Energy Minister Hammad Azhar in a statement posted on Twitter.