KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recorded an almost 80 per cent increase in the collection of petroleum levy on imported high-speed diesel (HSD) and petrol during the July-November period of the current financial year.
According to officials associated with the collection of PDL, the increase amounted to Rs170 billion in petroleum development levy (PDL) collections on imported petrol and diesel in the period under review, compared with the same period last year.
The petroleum sector has recorded a notable uplift in sales volumes following the FBR’s crackdown on illegal retail outlets and concerted efforts by customs enforcement teams to curb smuggling across the western border.
Recent data revealed that planned versus actual sales have shown a significant positive variance, with motor gasoline (MS) sales rising by approximately 3.0 per cent and high-speed diesel (HSD) witnessing an impressive 6.0 per cent nationwide increase. This surge has been supported by higher imports and enhanced refinery production, collectively enabling the FBR to achieve a substantial improvement in revenue collection.
Officials said these outcomes are a direct reflection of the FBR’s focused enforcement actions, rigorous border management and sustained commitment to eliminating illicit trade channels that have long undermined the formal petroleum supply chain and drained billions from the formal economy. “By restoring market integrity, the FBR has not only protected government revenues but also created a more level, transparent and competitive environment for legitimate/compliant industry players,” they said.
Officials added that the proactive measures taken by the FBR have reinforced market discipline and strengthened national revenue streams.To maintain this positive trajectory, they said it is imperative that the momentum continues through enhanced monitoring of unlicensed outlets, strict checks on cross-border movement of petroleum products, and robust controls on the import of items such as solvent and white spirit -- especially when domestic production capacity is more than adequate to fulfil national demand.
