Refineries at Risk of losing Billions of Rupees in Exchange Losses

May 15, 2023

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The sudden and sharp depreciation of the Pakistani rupee has had a severe impact on the country’s refining sector. In just a few days, exchange losses have exceeded one billion rupees for at least two refineries. The local currency saw a significant amount of volatility in the past week, with the dollar rate peaking at Rs298.93 in the interbank on Thursday after gaining in two consecutive sessions.

The depreciation of the rupee has made it more expensive for refineries to import crude oil, which is a major input cost. This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of production, which has been passed on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. The depreciation of the rupee has also made it more difficult for refineries to generate foreign exchange, which is needed to import spare parts and other essential inputs. This has led to production disruptions and shortages of fuel.

The government has taken some steps to address the depreciation of the rupee, such as raising interest rates and imposing import restrictions. However, these measures have not been enough to stabilize the currency. The government needs to take more comprehensive measures to address the underlying economic problems that are driving the depreciation of the rupee. These measures include reducing the budget deficit, improving the balance of payments, and boosting exports.

The depreciation of the rupee is a major challenge for the Pakistani economy. It is having a negative impact on the refining sector, as well as other sectors of the economy. The government needs to take urgent action to address the depreciation of the rupee and stabilize the economy.