Amid the ongoing fuel strike across the country, Energy Minister on Thursday said that all the “legitimate demands” of the petrol dealers would be met, adding the government would not entertain any Illegal demands.

“Some groups want to increase Rs9 under the guise of petrol pump strike. Rs9 cannot be added to reward some companies. It is not right to disturb the people. We will accept legitimate demands. Illegal demands will not be accepted,” Azhar was quoted as saying in a handout.

The minister’s statement shared by PTV news on Twitter came as many petrol stations across the country remained shut as part of their demand to increase their profit margin. Pictures circulating on social media show that people are standing in long queues at some of the open fuel stations.

Moreover, on the demand of Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, a summary has already been forwarded to the Economic Coordination Committee regarding an increase in their profit margins, Radio Pakistan reported. Azhar said that the decision on the matter would be taken in the next meeting of the committee.

Right after the call to strike by the PPDA, Azhar had said that the government was in talks with them to keep the fuel stations open. However, the strike wasn’t called off and many fuel stations across the country shut down.

Hassle at fuel stations

Many petrol stations across the country gave a deserted look as the owners had erected the barriers at its entrances, causing problems for people.

Pictures of people in long lines with their vehicles at fuel pumps were widely shared on social media with #petrol remaining one of the top trends on Twitter.

Some users accused the petrol dealers of earning too much profit.