Importing low-quality fuel unacceptable: Govt delegation

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): A high-ranking government delegation visited northwestern Nimroz province to investigate the issue of low-quality fuel imports and adopt new measures against it. They warned violators and emphasized that no corruption in the petroleum import process will be tolerated.

In a statement, Governor Spokesman Qari Rahimullah Sajid wrote the delegation entered the province with the aim of monitoring and taking effective measures to prevent the entry of low-quality petroleum products through the Nimroz border on Wednesday (afternoon).

The delegation consists of Maulvi Shamsuddin Pahlawan, General Director of Decrees and Orders for Ministry of Affairs, Deputy Minister of Finance Haji Ahmad, a representative of the Afghanistan National Standards Authority, representatives from the General Intelligence Department, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the report added.

It said the delegation met with the deputy governor and some of petroleum traders this morning (Thursday) to discuss the issue of importing low-quality fuel.

Maulvi Shamsuddin Pahlawan said: “Besides damaging vehicles, the poor-quality fuel is also harmful to people’s health and can cause the spread of diseases”.

The visit was aimed to prevent the entry of such harmful substances into the country and he called on traders to observe quality standards in the sale of petroleum products and cooperate with relevant institutions.

“Illegal import of fuel through Nimroz is unacceptable and necessary equipment is available to detect the quality of petroleum products. No corruption in this process would be tolerated”.

Oil traders expressed confidence in the delegation and pledged that they would refrain from importing low-quality fuel and provide the necessary cooperation in line with national interests.

The delegation also promised to address the problems and suggestions of the traders.

The report quoted Maulvi Turjan Ahmadi as saying the import of low-quality fuel has been largely prevented and no one is allowed to import such materials.

hz/ma