The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has called on the government to take immediate action against fuel smuggling, warning that the illegal trade is costing the national exchequer up to Rs280 billion annually.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the downstream oil sector body said around six million litres of smuggled fuel enter every day, inflicting heavy losses on legal businesses and the national economy.
OCAC said every litre of smuggled fuel damages the future of the energy sector of the country and undermines fair competition among legitimate players in the market.
The council warned that continued delay in curbing the practice would only strengthen the illegal trade network, making enforcement more difficult over time.
It urged the government to introduce effective measures to prevent oil smuggling, describing swift action as essential to protect the national exchequer and to ensure a strong and stable energy sector.
