Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Customs denies reports of import clearance delays.
- PSO advised to file Goods Declarations promptly for timely processing.
- Fuel clearances and dispatches from Port Qasim are being processed regularly.
Pakistan Customs has refuted recent media reports suggesting that it is delaying the clearance of imported petroleum products, thereby causing fuel shortages. In a statement to ProPakistani, a member of Customs Operations clarified that there are no pending import consignments for which Goods Declarations (GDs) have been filed and that Pakistan State Oil’s (PSO) claim regarding the final value of cargo was based on a misunderstanding.
The customs official explained that the final value of imported petroleum cargo is determined later and has never been a prerequisite for filing a GD or obtaining clearance. The department emphasized that PSO should submit GDs promptly to avoid unnecessary delays, adding that operations at Port Qasim are continuing normally.
Customs provided details on upcoming shipments, noting that the vessel MT Bolan had berthed at the FOTCO terminal on July 15 and has already discharged part of its cargo. The vessel is expected to complete unloading early on July 17. Additionally, PSO’s vessels MT Nave Cassiopeia and MT Hafnia Shannon are scheduled to arrive on July 17, while MT Portofino is expected on July 23.
The department stated that fuel clearances and dispatches from Port Qasim are being processed regularly, with operational issues resolved on a priority basis. Customs acknowledged that Flow Petroleum recently required a customs no-objection certificate (NOC) for upcountry deliveries through PAPCO, which was issued. Three consignments also require penalty waivers under the Customs Act and processing under the Pakistan Single Window’s updated system introduced after the Finance Act 2026.
Customs noted that issues related to bond-to-bond cargo transfers arose because some oil marketing companies transferred cargo without obtaining prior approval as required by law. The department is coordinating with OGRA and the industry to facilitate clearance processes, adding that these matters were reviewed at the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) meeting on July 16, where no pending customs clearances for imported petroleum products were identified.
The member concluded by reiterating that there are no import clearance issues or fuel shortages. He advised PSO and other importers to adhere to proper procedures to ensure smooth operations.
