Recent reports have raised alarms over petrol quality in Pakistan, with allegations of harmful chemical mixing in fuel. Sources claim some petrol and diesel are being mixed with solvents and methanol.
Officials warn that such mixing can pose serious health risks to consumers if harmful chemicals enter vehicles and the environment. The absence of a strict testing system increases the risk of adulterated fuel reaching petrol pumps across the country.
Pakistan has over 15,000 petrol pumps and 130 oil depots, yet only about 3,000 fuel quality tests are conducted annually. Experts say this is insufficient to monitor improper mixing of chemicals in petrol and diesel.
The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) stated that oxygenate tests are mainly conducted at the import and refinery levels. OGRA also performs random checks, testing Research Octane Number (RON), distillation, and other key fuel quality parameters. The regulator conducts more than 3,800 tests each year at petrol depots and stations.
Meanwhile, the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) said it acts purely as a testing agency. HDIP provides reports on samples submitted to it but cannot independently monitor every petrol pump. The agency confirmed that their reports indicate results within prescribed limits, but admitted that oversight on chemical mixing at the consumer level is limited.
The alleged mixing of chemicals like solvents and methanol has raised questions about regulatory effectiveness. Experts emphasize the need for stricter controls, enhanced testing, and regular audits to prevent adulteration.
Consumers are advised to remain cautious and report any unusual fuel behavior, such as abnormal engine performance or strong chemical odors. Authorities are expected to review current fuel testing policies to better regulate the mixing of chemicals in petrol and diesel.
With petrol adulteration and chemical mixing under scrutiny, Pakistan’s fuel sector faces growing pressure to ensure public safety and maintain confidence in fuel quality.
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