Import of RON 92 standard petrol likely to start in November

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start importing RON 92 standard petrol from November, which will improve efficiency of vehicles and give good mileage, sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources said on Saturday.

“The RON 92 is expected to start reaching Pakistan in November,” a source said. “Presently the country is importing 87 RON petrol, but from November RON 92 will be available at selected petrol pumps in major cities.”

The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet has recently approved the import of RON 92 to boost the efficiency of vehicles and protect the environment.

The decision was part of the ministry’s strategy to introduce petrol of three different grades (92 RON, 95 RON and 97 RON) for replacing the existing petrol of 87 RON.

Initially the government allowed the import of RON 92 on trial basis for major cities and after successful experiment it would gradually be introduced in rest of the country.

The higher RON reduces environmental impact due to lower emissions as a result of better engine health.

Sources said the government was making tireless efforts to increase the country’s oil refining capacity.

The Pakistan Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) had been given the task to complete the Khalifa coastal refinery, having capacity to produce 250,000 barrels/day which was pending for last several years.

During the last three years, the sources said oil and gas exploration companies operating in different parts of the country made around 84 discoveries.

Following which around 631 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas and 27,359 barrels/day crude production has been added to the system.