Petroleum Imports Must Follow Legal Standards: Moci

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced on Monday that the import of diesel, liquefied gas and other petroleum products will now only be permitted if fully compliant with valid standards and violators will be dealt with legally.

In a statement issued on Monday, the MoCI said that new standards for diesel, liquefied gas and other petroleum products-developed based on national criteria and considering climatic conditions and national requirements-were prepared by the National Standards Authority in cooperation with the committee tasked with preventing low-quality oil fraud and the technical committee for drafting petroleum product standards.

After a thorough technical review and evaluation, these standards were approved by the Supreme Standards Council and officially enacted under the decree of the Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). Relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.

The ministry emphasized that full adherence to these standards is mandatory to ensure the import of high-quality petroleum products, safeguard public health, protect the environment and prevent the entry of low-quality petroleum products and liquefied gas.

The statement added:“From now on, the import of diesel, liquefied gas, and other petroleum products will only be allowed in accordance with valid norms and standards. Any violations will be thoroughly, impartially and properly investigated, and legal action will be taken by the responsible authorities.”

The MoCI also noted that traders who have repeatedly imported low-quality petroleum products and liquefied gas in the past must refrain from misleading, false, or baseless advertising.

Furthermore, all traders and sellers are required to cooperate in maintaining price stability and strictly avoid any unwarranted or arbitrary price increases. Offenders will be dealt with seriously in accordance with Sharia and applicable regulations.

The ministry stressed:“The committee tasked with preventing low-quality oil fraud is always ready to address legitimate complaints and petitions from traders and companies importing petroleum products.”

The MoCI affirmed that the government is committed to ensuring the proper, swift, and accurate implementation of valid standards nationwide, exercising comprehensive and ongoing supervision, and considers this a fundamental and urgent priority.

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