KARACHI – The soaring prices of POL (petrol, oil and lubricants) have remarkably increased the sale of smuggled Iranian petrol, causing losses worth billions of rupees to the exchequer, while important government personalities are also investing in and harbouring this illegal business, sources have informed Pakistan Today.
The daily consumption of Iranian petrol has gone through the ceiling, whereas a major decline between 10,000 tonnes and 15,000 tonnes in daily consumption of locally produced POL has been reported after the government issued the announcement of price hike. Two important political figures are reportedly investing in this illegal business and harbouring the culprits involved.
These political figures are generating billions of rupees a month through this business, and have established over 28 illegal fuel stations in Lyari alone, whereas four in Bhains Colony, two in Orangi Town, and one in Khokhrapar. Between 5,000 litres and 8,000 litres of Iranian POL worth Rs 1 million are being sold daily at these illegal stations set up by government officials.
A man working at one of the illegal fuel stations said, “We are receiving hefty amounts as salary and feel no hesitation in continuing our jobs here.” The sources claimed that a high-ranking official of the provincial government has made a deal worth Rs 100 million a month with culprits involved in smuggling Iranian POL so the latter could continue running their business without any threat from the law enforcement agencies.
“Three members of a smugglers’ group met with the government official’s representative to finalise the deal.
Price increase boosts sales of smuggled petrol
