The government has revealed a massive Rs135 billion scam involving the import of a dangerous petrol adulterant falsely marketed as premium fuel, Express Tribune reported. This imported petrol has damaged engines and caused substantial financial losses for consumers and the national treasury.
Customs Intelligence discovered the scam in May, but it remained hidden in official records until July 29th. At that point, the Prime Minister’s Office intervened, directing an immediate halt to the illegal activities.
The importers, using the Taftan-NLC Dry Terminal, were found to be importing Light Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvent, a dangerous and flammable substance, and selling it as petrol.
This fraudulent activity involved collusion with customs officials and laboratory personnel. Official documents revealed that many of the addresses used by the importers were fake; specifically, 26 out of 36 addresses did not exist.
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Documents show that within three years, 900 million liters of the hazardous substance were imported and sold as petrol. This scam led to a financial loss of Rs135 billion, including Rs40 billion in unpaid duties and taxes.
The substance, imported as an industrial chemical, was cleared from the port with a minimal duty but was sold as petrol at filling stations.
The Prime Minister’s Office responded strongly to the investigation’s findings, highlighting significant vehicle damage and massive revenue losses due to the sale of the adulterant instead of standard petrol.
Director Intelligence Customs, Muhammad Saeed Wattoo, stated in May that the operators of this scam likely made substantial profits from the price difference. The issue remained unresolved until the Prime Minister’s Office intervened.
