Surge in Fuel Outlets Despite Smuggling Concerns.

Despite concerns about the smuggling of Iranian oil, oil marketing companies in Pakistan are expanding their retail networks. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has added 37 new retail outlets in the first nine months of FY24, bringing its total to 3,555. Attock Petroleum Ltd (APL) has strategically invested in key locations, commissioning new service areas on motorways M-4 and M-14. Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) highlighted the smuggling of 4,000 tonnes of fuel daily, posing a threat to the oil industry and government revenue. Gas and Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) now has 1,200 retail outlets, up from 1,000 in 2022. Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), expressed dissatisfaction with the rapid opening of new fuel pumps. The Ministry of Energy has considered a limited scope for mobile fuel distribution units, emphasizing safety concerns. [Extracted from the article]