Adviser to Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain has instructed oil refining companies to ensure supply of quality products to retail outlets.
In meeting to review the specifications of petroleum products, it was decided that with effect from March 1, 2013, petrol specifications should be brought in line with Euro-II specifications by reducing current sulphur level of 1000ppm to 500ppm.
Further, a limit of maximum five vol percent Benzene, which is a carcinogenic compound, has been capped in-line with Euro-II specification.
Petrol of revised specifications of Euro-II will be available to the consumer at no additional cost. The initiative for revision of these critical parameters was taken to produce environment friendly petrol, and had been long overdue.
With regards to furnace oil (FO) specification, it was decided to discontinue 125cst viscosity grade with immediate effect while 180cst grade would continue as proposed by the oil industry.
This would assist in enhancing kerosene/jet fuel production in the country.
Any user requiring 125cst grade would be allowed to import it directly. A new grade of 380cst FO would be introduced for which detailed specifications would be finalised soon.