Approved: Diesel sold by PSO meets quality standards, says HDIP

Results are based on quality tests conducted on OGRA’s orders.

ISLAMABAD: The Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) has dismissed the allegations of poor-quality fuel being marketed by state-run oil marketing company, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), saying the oil meets the quality standards and is also environment-friendly.

The remarks came after HDIP conducted quality tests on fuel samples taken from PSO retail outlets on the directives of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) – the oil and gas industry regulator – earlier this month.

HDIP took samples of high-speed diesel from various PSO retail outlets situated in Islamabad on March 4. After assessment, it submitted a report to Ogra, saying the samples tested “fully met the country’s specifications for diesel as notified by the federal government/Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.”

According to the report, PSO’s diesel contained low sulphur content, which is environment-friendly and protects vehicle engines. “An element of better volatility was also witnessed in diesel samples, which leads to good combustion and lower carbon emissions,” it said.

A joint team of the regulator and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources also visited various storage facilities of PSO recently. In a letter written to the PSO management after the visit, Ogra Vice Chairman and Member Oil Sabar Hussain said the remarkable safety and housekeeping arrangements at different facilities were encouraging and in line with the company’s emphasis on health, safety and environmental concerns.

“PSO, being the largest oil marketing company with its widespread strategic storage infrastructure, is maintaining best industry practices and is an asset for the country,” the letter said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2014.

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