Refineries urge govt to withdraw revised MS pricing

Pakistan’s refineries have asked the government to reverse a motor spirit (MS) pricing formula introduced on 31 October 2026. They say it requires them to hand over Rs49.02 per litre as Petroleum Levy without a corresponding increase in their ex-refinery receipts.

In a joint letter to the petroleum minister, executives from Attock Refinery, Cnergyico, National Refinery and Pakistan Refinery said the formula keeps some pricing components at their 7 March 2026 levels. They argue this leaves current costs for crude, freight, insurance and financing unaccounted for, threatening refinery viability and upgrade spending under the Brownfield Refining Policy.

The refineries say the change was made without consultation and conflicts with protections in their upgrade agreements. They have sought restoration of the previous formula, withdrawal of the pricing freeze and levy differential, and prompt instructions to OGRA to implement the changes.