The Energy Division has denied an allegation that the move to formulate a private sector petroleum fuel import was aimed at facilitating any particular company or business house.
In a statement, signed by Muhammad Arif Sadeq, Deputy Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, claimed that there is no scope under the proposed policy to provide any special advantage to any particular individual, company or group.
The statement, issued on Saturday, came amid reports and discussions on various media outlets and social media platforms concerning the proposed policy.
It said that the government has initiated the process of formulating a draft policy to facilitate private-sector import, storage, transportation, distribution and marketing of refined petroleum products, with a view to ensuring uninterrupted and secure fuel supply in the country.
The proposed policy, titled “Policy on Storage, Transportation, Distribution and Marketing of Refined Fuel Imported by the Private Sector, 2026,” is primarily aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security and maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply system, according to the Energy Division.
The draft also seeks to establish a transparent and competitive market by enabling the government to utilise private-sector infrastructure and investment capacity alongside the existing state-run system, particularly during emergencies or periods of fuel crisis.
The Energy Division said the policy would be finalised after taking opinions and recommendations from all stakeholders involved in the energy sector.
It said the government would consider finalising the policy only if it can ensure public interest, energy security, a competitive market, transparency and accountability.
The Energy Division said some speculative and inaccurate information has recently been published regarding the draft policy, describing such reports as undesirable.
It urged all concerned to act responsibly while reporting or commenting on the proposed policy.
