Govt rejects speculation

The government has rejected recent media reports and social media discussions surrounding its proposed policy to allow private-sector participation in refined fuel imports, describing them as “speculative and false” and saying they have created unnecessary confusion.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said it was preparing a draft titled Policy on Import, Storage, Transportation, Distribution and Marketing of Refined Fuel at the Private Sector Level, 2026.

The statement, signed by Muhammad Arif Sadek, deputy chief information officer of the ministry, said the proposed policy was intended to ensure uninterrupted and secure fuel supplies while strengthening national energy security and creating a more transparent and competitive fuel market.

The ministry said the draft was still under preparation and that views and recommendations from stakeholders in the energy sector would be taken into account before it is finalised.

“The policy will only be considered if public interest, energy security, a competitive market, transparency and accountability can be ensured,” the statement said.

The ministry also rejected speculation that the proposed framework was being prepared to favour any particular individual, company or business group.

“There is no scope to provide any special benefit to any particular individual, institution or group through this policy,” it said.

The clarification comes amid growing discussion over the government’s reported plans to open refined fuel imports, storage, transportation, distribution and marketing to private-sector operators.

The ministry, however, did not provide further details on the proposed framework, including the potential scope of private-sector participation or a timeline for finalising the policy.