Refineries asked to ensure ample availability of HSD, jet fuel for defence

ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear states in the wake of Pahalgam attack, the federal government has asked the country’s refineries to enhance production of high speed diesel (HSD) and JP-8 for the armed forces in case India launches an attack.

The oil marketing companies (OMCs), including state-owned Pakistan State Oil (PSO), have also been directed to import petroleum products on time.

HSD is used when the army goes for troops mobilisation with tanks and other equipment to border areas while the Pakistan Air Force uses the JP-8 as fuel. Right now, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Naval Force are on a high alert.

According to the letter, written on April 23, 2025 by director general (DG) Oil on emergency basis to the top management of all the five refineries -- Pakistan Refinery Company (PARCO) Limited, Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), National Refinery Limited (NRL), Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Cnergyico Pk Limited (CPL), Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) secretary general and Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) chairman, it has been asked to ensure maximum availability of HSD and JP-8.

The OMCs have also been asked to ensure timely import of required petroleum products. It has also been asked to enhance the security of the key point installations such as oil depots situated in various parts of the country as per the set standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Attock Refinery Limited Managing Director Adil Khattak and the OCAC chairman, while representing local refineries and OMCs, said the country had stock of enough required fuel to cater to the needs of armed forces.