Fuel dealers have flagged an alleged practice of mixing cheap industrial chemicals into petrol and diesel and selling it at full prices, leading them to approach the federal government. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has written to the petroleum ministry and the country’s oil regulator, warning that the issue is damaging vehicles, hurting businesses, and posing risks to public health.
In its letter, the association said that solvent oil, which is meant strictly for industrial use, is being mixed into petrol and diesel to make illegal profits. The dealers warned that such adulteration can damage vehicle engines and weaken confidence in the fuel supply system.
The association has called on the authorities to immediately audit the production and import of solvent oil. It has also demanded stricter checks on its transport and storage, along with regular inspections and proper laboratory testing to curb fuel adulteration.
According to the dealers, the sale of chemically mixed fuel puts law-abiding petrol pump owners at a disadvantage, as they are unable to compete with those selling cheaper, adulterated fuel. The practice also results in significant losses to the national exchequer in the form of unpaid taxes.
The letter further raised health concerns, stating that solvent oil is hazardous and prolonged exposure could pose serious risks, including the possibility of cancer.
The association also urged closer scrutiny of imported solvent oil, including customs clearance procedures, buyer records, and distribution channels. It stressed that production and sales data of local refineries should also be carefully monitored.
The letter was sent to the Minister for Petroleum and the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, calling for immediate action to prevent the problem from worsening.