Petrol pricing changes may cause refineries Rs49/litre loss

Business Recorder reported that a change to petrol pricing could cost domestic refineries Rs49 per litre. Attock Refinery CEO Adil Khattak said including pre-war premiums and incidentals would account for Rs35, with a further Rs14 redirected from customs duty recovery to lower the Petroleum Levy.

Khattak said the move was made without consultation and conflicts with protections and funding provisions in the Brownfield Refineries Upgradation Policy. Four refineries signed upgrade agreements on September 24, 2026, while PARCO was expected to join; the companies are seeking financing for projects estimated to require USD5-6 billion.

He warned that changing the financial framework could weaken investor and lender confidence while refineries arrange funding. Khattak urged the government to reconsider the decision and honour the policy commitments.