FBR detects Rs10bn tax shortfall, issues notices to PSO, six oil firms

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued notices to seven major oil marketing companies, including Pakistan State Oil (PSO), after detecting an alleged tax and levy shortfall of nearly Rs10 billion linked to imported petroleum products.

According to official documents, the tax authority claims that the companies deposited less than the required amount in customs duty, petroleum levy and climate support levy based on the volume of petroleum products imported and unloaded at their storage facilities.

The notices were issued after the FBR examined petroleum import and sales data, comparing the quantities of fuel handled by the companies with the taxes and levies paid into the national exchequer. The authority concluded that the payments made did not match the applicable liabilities.

Reports indicate that the total amount identified by the FBR stands at Rs9.99 billion, prompting the revenue authority to seek explanations from the companies and direct them to clear the outstanding amounts.

Among the companies named in the notices, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) faces the largest claim. According to the FBR, the state-owned oil giant is required to deposit approximately Rs8.19 billion in unpaid customs duty, petroleum levy and climate levy.

The remaining amount is distributed among six other companies. Puma Energy and Pak-Arab Pipeline Company have jointly been asked to deposit around Rs135.3 million, while Hi-Tech Lubricants has been directed to pay Rs116.7 million.

Similarly, B Energy Limited has been issued a notice for approximately Rs250 million, Taj Gasoline has been asked to deposit around Rs260.4 million, and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) has been directed to pay approximately Rs222.2 million, according to the official figures.

The FBR has warned all the companies that failure to respond to the notices within the prescribed time or to deposit the outstanding amounts could result in legal proceedings under the relevant tax laws.

The development comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen tax collection and improve revenue generation amid ongoing fiscal reforms. Authorities have intensified scrutiny of various sectors, including the petroleum industry, to ensure compliance with customs regulations and levy payments.

The companies concerned have not publicly responded to the notices or the allegations at the time of filing this report. The FBR is expected to review their replies before deciding on any further legal or administrative action.

The case is likely to attract significant attention given its financial scale and the role of the petroleum sector in Pakistan’s economy.