Petroleum dealers have called for a forensic audit of refinery profits, with office-bearer Malik Khuda Bakhsh claiming that such scrutiny could make petrol Rs50 per litre cheaper. The demand followed an emergency meeting in Karachi focused on refinery earnings and relief for consumers.
Refinery earnings face scrutiny
Khuda Bakhsh urged a transparent forensic audit to establish the true extent of refinery profits. He claimed refineries had earned the equivalent of a full year’s profit in just three months and said the petroleum minister’s statement supported the dealers’ concerns.
Fellow office-bearer Anwar Kamal said consumers could be given relief of Rs40 to Rs50 per litre on petrol. He alleged that refineries had earned illicit profits and called for consumers to receive what he described as their rightful share.
Dealers seek comprehensive financial review
Kamal demanded a comprehensive forensic examination of the financial affairs of all refineries. Dealers said an audit would establish the facts about past earnings and called for measures to prevent additional financial burdens being placed on the public in future.
A role in petroleum policy decisions
The dealers also sought representation in petroleum-sector decision-making, saying key stakeholders should not be excluded from policy formulation. Their demands included:
- A transparent forensic audit to determine the extent of refinery profits.
- A comprehensive review of all refineries’ financial affairs.
- The inclusion of dealers’ representatives in petroleum-sector decision-making committees.
