Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday approved the proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, directing the relevant authorities to ensure their effective and timely implementation without any delay.
Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, the prime minister stressed that no negligence or procrastination in executing the revised policy would be tolerated under any circumstances, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
He instructed the Ministry of Energy and other concerned institutions to accelerate the reform process while maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation.
The Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 was formulated by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) to address long-standing challenges facing the country’s oil refining sector. The policy is aimed at modernising existing refineries, improving fuel quality, and attracting fresh investment into the downstream petroleum industry.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of refinery upgradation projects, ongoing energy sector reforms, and the implementation status of the refining policy.
According to the PMO, the approved amendments focus on brownfield refineries, enabling them to produce environmentally friendly petrol and diesel that meet Euro-V fuel standards. The changes are also intended to reduce the production of furnace oil and other low-value petroleum products, aligning Pakistan’s refining sector with international environmental and efficiency standards.
The government expects the revised policy to support cleaner fuel production, enhance energy security, encourage private investment, and strengthen the country’s long-term petroleum infrastructure.
