According to reports, Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, has officially authorized the sale of Iranian petrol in Quetta and the neighboring regions. In response to the ban, the CM instructed the Inspector General of Police to halt the crackdown operation, as stated in a media report.
Selling of Smuggled Iranian Petrol is Now Legal
The CM emphasized that the sale of Iranian petrol provides sustenance and support to numerous families. It is important to note that the importation of Iranian petrol into Pakistan is considered illegal.
The regulation of oil and gas prices in Pakistan falls under the jurisdiction of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo acknowledged that banning the sale of Iranian petrol would adversely affect the livelihoods of numerous households.
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However, he issued a directive specifying that the sale of petrol should take place in open spaces, away from residential areas. Selling petrol in densely populated residential regions is strictly prohibited.
The CM’s decision received widespread appreciation from political and social circles in the province, as it safeguarded the means of subsistence for many individuals and families.
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Mir Ziaullah Langau, Balochistan’s Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs, expressed support for the Chief Minister’s directives, emphasizing their benefits for the local population.
Last month, Pakistani businessmen reported a surge in the smuggling of Iranian fuel. Dealers estimate that 35% of the country’s fuel supply is sourced illegally from Iran. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) states that smuggling activities have spread nationwide, with Balochistan serving as a prominent gateway.
In April, the government issued orders to authorities to take strict measures to curb Iranian smuggling. An official letter revealed that the illicit trade has resulted in a significant 40% decline in fuel sales.
According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Iranian petrol is priced Rs. 53 per liter lower than its Pakistani retail counterpart, which is a major driving force behind its high demand.