The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued notices to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and six other oil companies over the alleged underpayment of petroleum levy, climate levy, and customs duties on imported petroleum products. The tax authority claims the companies paid less than the required amount based on imported fuel volumes.
According to official details, the total alleged shortfall is approximately Rs. 9.99 billion. The notices were issued after the FBR compared the companies’ declared payments with import data available in its records.
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) received the largest notice in the case. The tax authority has claimed that PSO owes around Rs. 8.20 billion, making it the biggest alleged liability among the companies involved.
The other companies that received notices include Puma Energy, Pak-Arab Pipeline Company, Hi-Tech Lubricants, BE Energy Limited, Taj Gasoline, and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO).
According to the tax authority, the companies deposited petroleum levy, climate levy, and customs duties that did not match the quantities of petroleum products unloaded at their oil terminals. The differences were identified after reviewing import records.
The notices specify separate amounts for each company. Puma Energy and Pak-Arab Pipeline Company have each been asked to explain an alleged shortfall totaling Rs. 135.3 million.
Hi-Tech Lubricants has been served a notice for Rs. 116.8 million. Meanwhile, BE Energy Limited has been asked to account for Rs. 250.6 million.
The FBR has also issued notices to Taj Gasoline for Rs. 260.5 million and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) for Rs. 222.2 million. These amounts are included in the total alleged shortfall of nearly Rs. 10 billion.
Officials said the discrepancies were found after comparing declared tax payments with import information maintained by the tax authority. The review focused on petroleum levy, climate levy, and customs duties linked to imported petroleum products.
The companies have been directed to submit their responses to the notices within the prescribed timeframe. They have also been instructed to settle any outstanding liabilities if the claims are confirmed after verification.
According to the notices, failure to provide a timely explanation or make the required payments could result in legal proceedings under the applicable tax laws.
The latest action is part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to improve tax compliance and strengthen monitoring of petroleum imports. The authority continues to verify tax payments by comparing company declarations with official import records.
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The outcome of the case will depend on the responses submitted by the companies and the verification process carried out by the FBR. Further action will be taken according to the relevant tax laws if any outstanding dues remain unpaid.
