KARACHI, Nov 8: Pakistan has sought more petrol imports of 35,000 tons in January and two optional shipments of 18,000 tons each for December to meet the surging demand.

In this regard, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has issued another tender a few days back for these new imported shipments.

Market sources said a phenomenal decline in smuggling of Iranian petrol into Pakistan is not only the sole reason of causing demand and supply gap.

Other factors included suspension in supply of petrol from Pak Arab Refinery Limited (Parco) due to closure of a producing unit because of some technical fault for the last days. Parco produces 60,000 tons per month.

Besides, there had also been a suspension in supply from a small refinery due to its ongoing expansion programmes. Bosicor produces 6,000-7,000 tons a month.

Meanwhile, a ship carrying 19,500 tons of petrol is arriving at the Karachi Port on Nov 10.

Pakistan is importing petrol after a gap of six to seven years. Demand of petrol is rising as local refineries do not have the capacity of meeting the increased demand.

For instance, in October alone, refineries produced 115,000 tons as against the demand of 140,000 tons, an official in a refinery, who asked not to be named, said.

Local refineries have a total refining capacity of producing 115,000-116,000 tons of petrol per month from crude oil.

According to the figures posted on the website of Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC), local refineries produced 363,173 tons in July-September 2007 but the previous figures of same period were not available.

Officials either in the refineries or in the oil marketing companies are not ready to reveal the actual worth of imported petrol.