by KHALEEQ KIANI
ISLAMABAD: The petroleum ministry has proposed that the ‘most favoured nation’ (MFN) status be granted to India to facilitate import of petroleum products and export of cement and chemicals which would be a cost-effective proposition for both countries.
A commerce ministry official said a summary prepared by the petroleum ministry on the matter would become the basis of the two-day talks between the commerce secretaries of the two countries beginning here on Wednesday.
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The ministry believes that Pakistan’s total diesel consumption of about 4.4 million tons can be met through imports from India where its prices are lower than in Pakistan. The price of diesel in Pakistan is Rs92.90 per litre against Rs75.56 in India (40 Indian rupees). The price of petrol in India is equivalent to Rs61.50 per litre and Rs83.55 in Pakistan.
According to the ministry, Bhatinda and Panipat have a refining capacity of about 15 million tons and two refineries of the Reliance Industries have a capacity of 40 million tons.
It has proposed that import be allowed through Wagah border by rail and road to meet diesel requirements in northern parts of the country and through sea for Karachi and adjoining areas.
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(Thanks to Pritam Rohila)