The federal government has barred private oil marketing companies from importing high-speed diesel, allowing only Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to handle diesel procurement under a new centralized arrangement.
According to officials, the decision was taken during a recent meeting of the National Coordination and Management Council and will remain in place until the situation in the Middle East stabilizes.
Under the revised policy, private oil marketing companies will be required to obtain prior approval from the council before importing high-speed diesel, giving authorities greater control over import volumes and foreign exchange usage.
Officials described the move as a targeted intervention aimed at managing Pakistan’s rising oil import bill, which remains one of the country’s largest sources of external payment pressure.
By centralizing diesel imports through PSO, the government intends to better align fuel procurement with available foreign exchange reserves and domestic demand requirements.
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions and volatility in global oil markets, following instability in the Middle East and disruptions in energy supply routes.
However, industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the policy shift, warning that restricting private sector participation could impact supply chain efficiency and create logistical bottlenecks if demand exceeds PSO’s capacity.
Officials added that some flexibility has been retained in the policy, allowing private companies to seek special approval from the council in cases of urgent shortages or exceptional demand.
