Petrol pump operators across Pakistan have announced a nationwide closure of fuel stations starting Wednesday night in protest against the government's newly introduced daily fuel pricing system.

The decision was made after negotiations between the government and the All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association failed to produce a mutually acceptable agreement. The association stated that it cannot accept a policy that allows fuel prices to change every day.

The Pakistani government, however, defended the new mechanism, saying it is designed to reflect international fuel price movements more quickly and transparently for consumers.

Under the new policy, petrol and high-speed diesel prices will be revised daily based on the average international market prices of the previous seven days. Prices announced on Fridays will remain unchanged during Saturdays and Sundays.

The authority to determine fuel prices will be transferred to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), eliminating the need for separate approval from the Prime Minister or the federal government. The prices of kerosene and light diesel will also be revised daily under the new framework.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association said it would decide whether to join the protest after a meeting of its executive committee.

Officials from Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry stated that the government remains open to discussions regarding dealers' profit margin concerns and will continue consultations with all stakeholders.

The government has also introduced changes to fuel import regulations for the new fiscal year. Under the revised policy, high-speed diesel imports will be handled exclusively by Pakistan State Oil, while petrol import quotas will be allocated to companies based on their market share. Companies failing to meet import obligations may face a suspension of new import permits for up to nine months.