The Oil Industry of Pakistan is reportedly resisting implementation for lower manganese content in gasoline, as according to them they need more time and investment to carry out the plan of phasing out the manganese content fully.
The oil companies especially Attock refinery was the first to have protested against the government’s action of not taking oil companies on board while deciding on manganese content. It was reported previously that, the decision had been taken after consulting all the industry stakeholders. However, it seems that it was not the case.
The issue of manganese content first came to light when Honda Pakistan complained that the petrol is damaging its vehicles and after much commotion, OGRA and other authorities took action on the matter and tested the manganese content in gasoline, and after testing, it was declared that the manganese content is indeed high in petrol. It is also important to mention here that no manganese quantity was specified by authorities before Honda’s complaint.
Read Also: Honda Atlas Vs Oil Companies – High Level of Manganese in Petrol Damaging Engines
After the revelation and on the recommendation of OGRA, Ministry of Energy directed the oil refineries to restrict the usage of manganese content to 40 mg/l till October 2018 and after that, from November onwards restrict it even further to 24 mg/l till April 2019. From the 1st of May 2019, the oil refineries will not be allowed to add additives (manganese or any other) in fuel to increase its RON quality.
The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has also written letter to Ministry of Energy and urged that the authority should continue with limit of 54 mg per litre of manganese content in petrol, until unless the oil companies upgrade their hardware and become able to produce gasoline with higher RON and reducing manganese content in the process.
The oil companies would install Continuous Catalytic Reforming (CCR) units in their plants to produce high-quality petrol without using any additives. These units would be installed in a span five years.
Read Also: Petroleum Ministry sets standards for manganese quantity in petrol
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