Pakistan could tap Iranian crude oil supplies following a  temporary easing of US sanctions on Tehran, reopening the possibility of sourcing discounted crude and refining it locally to produce higher-value petroleum products.    Industry experts say local refineries are technically capable of processing Iranian crude, commercial and operational challenges remain, particularly due to the high furnace oil yield and the absence of significant domestic demand for the fuel.     India is refining Iranian crude because refineries are mostly deep-conversion units equipped with hydrocrackers, hydrocokers, residue fluid catalytic cracking units, etc.    according to local esxperts, most of the refineries  in pakistan have changed their crude recipe from sour heavy to light and sweet crude for the refinery economics and sustainability.       Currently, local refineries are meeting the 80pc of diesel demand due to change in the crude recipe and modification.  Refineries in Pakistan do not have hydrocracker units.     Sourcing crude oil from Iran could generate import cost savings of $170-340 million for Pakistan, assuming it imports 10-20pc of its total petroleum requirement at a discount, including freight savings.    Pakistani refiners are engaged in a maxi capex investment program, with fiscal support from the government, to modernize technologies and respond to the changing needs of the domestic market and the diversification of international supply.                           The Federal Board of Revenue  has notified the establishment of a new land customs station at the border town of Taftan.  this notification signals renewed focus on formalising and expanding Pakistan’s trade infrastructure with Iran.    The FBR has declared the Railway Station Taftan, spread over 11.75 acres, as a land customs station for the loading, unloading and clearance of imported and exported goods.   The development is expected to facilitate cargo handling through rail connectivity at Taftan, which has historically remained underutilised despite its strategic location as Pakistan’s primary land gateway to Iran. Tax officials aim to streamline documentation, clearance, and inspection processes, while reducing reliance on informal or fragmented trade channels.        The move comes in the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to expand formal trade with Iran, which has long been constrained by sanctions, limited banking channels, and weak border infrastructure. (ICE ISLAMABAD)

Fonte notizia: dawn