Parliamentary Panel Approves Petroleum Amendment Bill Amid Opposition

Strategic Insights -

A parliamentary panel in Pakistan has approved the Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025, despite opposition from Balochistan's senators. The bill aims to curb the rampant smuggling of petroleum products, which has been draining the economy and undermining government revenues. Despite assurances from the Petroleum Secretary that only big shots and oil tankers carrying over 40,000 liters of smuggled fuel would be targeted, senators from Balochistan strongly opposed the bill, warning that it would devastate the livelihoods of poor people in the province.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025 was approved by a parliamentary panel with three votes in favour and two against.
  • Senators from Balochistan strongly opposed the bill, warning that it would devastate the livelihoods of poor people in the province.
  • The bill empowers authorities to seal filling stations selling smuggled fuel, seize related equipment, and take action against vehicles involved in the trade.
  • Customs officials will also gain authority to confiscate vehicles transporting illegal petroleum products.
  • The bill introduces six new clauses aimed at curbing rampant smuggling of petroleum products.
  • Petroleum officials clarified that the crackdown would primarily target large oil tankers carrying over 40,000 liters of smuggled fuel, not small vehicles or motorcycles.
  • Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey warned that 5,000 to 6,000 small vehicles transporting fuel have already been seized, which are the livelihood of poor people.
  • The bill has been criticized for being an economic devastation for poor families in Balochistan.
  • Senator Saadia Abbasi cautioned against rushing the legislation, urging wider consultation with the petroleum industry and provincial stakeholders.
  • The Petroleum Secretary defended the bill, saying smuggling of petroleum products worth billions was draining the economy and undermining government revenues.

Statistics:

  • 3-2 vote in favour and against the Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025.
  • Over 30,000 liters of smuggled fuel are being targeted by the crackdown, as per the Petroleum Secretary.
  • 5,000 to 6,000 small vehicles transporting fuel have already been seized in Balochistan, as per Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey.
  • Billions of rupees worth of petroleum products are being smuggled in Balochistan, as per the Petroleum Secretary.

Sources:

  • "Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025 approved by Senate panel despite opposition", Dawn News, [August 1, 2023]
  • Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum meeting minutes, exact date not specified.