ISLAMABAD: Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has called for the immediate availability of 5,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from the Naimat field — already allocated and approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in February 2024 — to enhance the production of high-speed diesel (HSD) and jet fuel (JP-8) for Pakistan’s armed forces.
In a letter addressed to the Directorate General (DG) Oil on Friday, April 25, ARL stressed the urgent need for approval of freight rates to transport the crude from the southern Naimat field to its refinery. The move follows a government directive issued on April 23, urging refineries to ramp up HSD and JP-8 production to support military operations.
ARL highlighted that crude production from northern oilfields has declined sharply to about 39,000 bpd, forcing the refinery to operate below its installed capacity of 53,400 bpd. Although the ECC had earlier approved the allocation of southern crude oil and its freight reimbursement through the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM), the decision remains unimplemented due to pending freight rate approvals.
ARL submitted a revised freight rate in September 2024 in line with PPRA rules but awaits final authorization. The refinery warned that in view of the acute crude shortage and prevailing security challenges, expedited action is essential to maintain optimal operations and meet the increasing demand for military fuels.
Despite facing supply constraints, ARL reaffirmed its commitment to fully supporting the armed forces with reliable fuel supplies.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
