Public debate before finalizing refining policy 2023.

Byline: SHABBIR KAZMI

PAGE: Please tell us something about yourself and your organization.

Mohammad Raziuddin: I have been involved with the Pakistan refineries since 1985. I have worked as policy maker, regulator, head of a refinery, advisory roles to refineries and consultant in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, USA and Ghana. I have worked on crisis and change management.

PAGE: What is your demand for new Refining Policy?

Mohammad Raziuddin: The new Refining Policy must have some objectives and targets to achieve. Under the present circumstances of Pakistan, where foreign exchange is at the lowest, debt crisis is at the highest and economy is in doldrums, any policy of extravaganza will be disastrous for Pakistan. It is time to be sensible and live within means.

PAGE: What are your suggested objectives?

Mohammad Raziuddin: In Pakistan, motorists and motorcyclists are not looking for speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 Km/hr in 10 seconds; unlike Americans and Europeans, instead power is more important. Therefore, Pakistan needs to opt to Euro II+ and RON 80 Petrol, Euro-II Diesel and Furnace Oil 380 Centistokes. A saving of US$1.5 billion annually is expected with much reduced pollution.

PAGE: How will you address sunset of petroleum products, dynamics of Pakistan's fragile economy and scarcity of foreign exchange?

Mohammad Raziuddin: The new refining policy should address the sunset of petroleum products and dynamics of Pakistan fragile economy and scarcity of foreign exchange. There has been no public debate to have a national consensus. Neither CCOE nor ECC are the forums, the Policy should be put to approval in CCI; but to public debate first.

Worldwide new refineries orders, expansions, BMRs and upgrade are being cancelled (other...