Punjab Enforces Strict Fuel Quality Checks To Combat Pollution, Smog

Abdullah Hussain (@Abdulla99267510) Published June 14, 2025 | 08:33 PM

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been granted authority to inspect fuel quality. Strict penalties and heavy fines will be imposed on violators under Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 14^th, 2025) The Punjab government on Saturday implemented a rigorous system to monitor and control the quality of petrol and diesel being sold across the province, aiming to curb air pollution and reduce public health risks.

Under the new measures, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was granted authority to inspect fuel quality. Strict penalties and heavy fines will be imposed on violators under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997. Only fuel that meets the standards approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will be permitted for sale.

Punjab is the first province in the country to introduce such a stringent mechanism for fuel quality monitoring.

The government has assigned Director General EPA Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh the responsibility of ensuring compliance across the province.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the move would significantly help protect citizens from serious respiratory illnesses. “Vehicular emissions are a leading cause of environmental damage, various diseases, and the worsening smog situation in Punjab,” she added.

The new enforcement policy is seen as a key step in the province's broader environmental protection strategy.