Import of Petroleum Products from Abu Nasr Farahi Port Halted

Shamsuddin Shariati, acting head of the Directorate of Monitoring and Implementation of Decrees of the Islamic Emirate, announced the suspension of fuel and petroleum product imports through Abu Nasr Farahi port on the Iran border. Over the past ten months, 1,574 fuel tankers entering via this port were returned due to quality concerns.

Reasons for Suspension: Low-Quality Petroleum Products

An investigative committee found that the largest volume of low-quality petroleum products entered Afghanistan through Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port. Between the 23rd and 30th of the solar month 1403, 1,572 tankers carrying substandard fuel were identified at this port, prompting the halt.

New Measures Approved by Islamic Emirate Leadership

The leadership has approved several measures to control fuel quality and imports:

Complete ban on importing A-80 petrol from all national border ports

Prevention of unnecessary crude oil imports

Suspension of new business licenses in petroleum and LPG sectors

Establishment of standard testing laboratories at ports for quality evaluation

Creation of a monitoring and enforcement department in customs

Heavy taxes and penalties on companies importing low-quality fuel

Review and revision of petroleum product standards and norms.

Nationwide Ban on A-80 Petrol Import

The import of A-80 petrol, which fails to meet national standards, has been completely suspended from all border ports, including Hairatan, Aqina, Torghundi, Islam Qala, Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi, Abrisham, and others.

Environmental Concerns Over Low-Quality Fuel

Zainul Abideen Abid, technical deputy of the National Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted that low-quality fuel imports contribute to climate change and environmental damage due to harmful substances in these products.

Private Sector Cooperation and Economic Outlook

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment pledged support for importing high-quality petroleum products. Mohammad Younus Mohmand, the Chamber’s first deputy, emphasized Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency in 107 essential items and its focus on strengthening both exports and imports.

Context and Implications

These decisions come amid growing concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of low-quality fuel imports, reflecting a broader effort to improve fuel standards and protect the environment in Afghanistan