In an interesting update, Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has ordered to remove sale ban on Iranian petrol in Quetta and its surrounding areas. According to media reports, taking notice of the ban, the chief minister ordered IG Police to end the crackdown against its sale. “A number of people are feeding their families and earning their livelihood by selling Iranian petrol and it is the only source of income for many households,” the minister said.
Iranian Petrol – A Source of Income
He added that if the sale is banned then several homes would have no source of income. Bazinjo ordered the IG to allow people to sell Iranian petrol alongside highways and open spaces. However, the sale would remain ban in heavily populated residential areas.
Political and social circles in the province have welcomed this announcement by the chief minister stating that he has saved livelihood of a large number of people.
Balochistan Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langue also appreciated this chief minister’s orders, stating that it is a good initiative for the citizens.
Smuggled Iranian Fuel
Last month, Petroleum dealers have flagged an increase in smuggling of Iranian fuel in Pakistan. The dealers claimed that 35% of the diesel sold in the country has arrived illegally from Iran. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) told international media that earlier the smuggling was limited to Balochistan only, but it has now spread to the rest of the country.
In April, the government has asked the security forces to clamp down smuggling from Iran. As per an official memo, diesel sales in the country have slumped by 40% due to the smuggled products. According to an S&P Global Commodity Insights report, Iranian fuel is around Rs. 53/liter cheaper than the official retail price in Pakistan.
Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has told the government that around 4,000 tonnes of fuel is smuggled into Pakistan, causing a total revenue loss of around Rs. 10.2 billion a month.
What is your take on CM Balochsitan decision on Iranian Petrol? Tell us in the comments section.
