The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has urged the government to immediately crack down on the alleged misuse of solvent oil in petrol and diesel, warning that the practice is distorting the fuel market, damaging vehicles and causing significant tax losses.
In a letter to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, the association said certain operators are blending solvent oil, which is cheaper and taxed differently, with motor spirit and high-speed diesel to boost margins. The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Central Standing Committee on Petroleum Products and Dealers.
The PPDA said the alleged blending has led to engine damage, undermined consumer confidence and hurt legitimate fuel retailers. It also warned of revenue losses to the government due to tax evasion and violations of petroleum regulations.
The association called for a comprehensive investigation into the production and import of solvent oil, including scrutiny of refinery output, customs data, sales records and distribution channels. It recommended mandatory documentation of buyers and end users, tighter monitoring of transportation and storage, surprise inspections and laboratory testing, and strict penalties for those found involved in adulteration networks.
PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said coordinated enforcement across refineries, importers and distributors was essential to curb the practice. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, seeking regulatory intervention.
Solvent oil is legally produced and traded for industrial applications, including use in paints and other approved sectors, but dealers say its diversion into transport fuels poses risks to both consumers and state revenues.
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