Refiners oppose HSD pricing formula change, warn of investment risk
Pakistan’s refining industry has raised strong objections to reports of a possible further revision to the high-speed diesel (HSD) pricing mechanism, cautioning that frequent changes could disrupt refinery operations and weaken investor confidence in the sector. In a letter addressed to the government, refiners noted that the HSD pricing formula had already undergone several revisions in recent months, with the latest change taking effect on August 20, 2026. The industry expressed particular concern over reports that the government may lower the HSD crack ceiling from $41.89 per barrel to $30 per barrel. According to the refiners, such a reduction could bring down the retail price of diesel by around Rs18–20 per litre.