--- title: "Pakistan unveils new refining policy to boost production and investment" description: "Most outlets highlighted the government's approval of amendments to the 2023 Oil Refining Policy, focusing on upgrading existing refineries, increasing production capacity, and attracting investment. The Daily Times provided additional context, noting the stalled upgrade programme and the revised framework's aim to unlock $6 billion for refineries. ARY News (English) offered a brief headline without elaborating on policy details or financial goals." url: https://harzaviya.com/stories/639-pm-approves-refinery-policy-amendments-to-boost-energy site: HarZaviya language: en --- # Pakistan unveils new refining policy to boost production and investment business · updated 31 Jul 2026, 3:37 AM PKT · 28–31 Jul 2026 · 22 articles from 14 outlets over 3 developments **HarZaviya summary** — how 14 outlets covered this, generated automatically from their headlines and excerpts: > Most outlets led with the approval of amendments to Pakistan’s Oil Refining Policy 2023 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the policy’s aim to modernize refineries, increase production of cleaner fuels, and attract investment. Several also highlighted the directive to expand strategic petroleum reserves. A few outlets, such as *Arab News Pakistan*, noted the government’s plan to pitch the refinery upgrade initiative in Gulf countries. While the framing varied slightly, with some focusing on energy security and others on investment potential, the core emphasis on policy approval and refinery modernization was consistent across the coverage. ## How it developed Newest development first. Each carries its own coverage and, where we have one, our summary of it. ### 31 Jul 2026 — A New Era for Pakistan’s Oil Refinery Sector (1 outlet) - **Daily Times** — [A New Era for Pakistan’s Oil Refinery Sector](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1531087/a-new-era-for-pakistans-oil-refinery-sector/) · 31 Jul 2026, 3:37 AM PKT > The Government of Pakistan has approved a set of amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, a decision that marks one of the most consequential interventions in the country’s downstream petroleum sector in recent years. The amendments are designed to unlock investment in refinery modernisation, enable the production of cleaner fuels and reduce the […] ### 29 Jul 2026 — Pakistan unveils new refining policy to boost production and investment (3 outlets) > Most outlets highlighted the government's approval of amendments to the 2023 Oil Refining Policy, focusing on upgrading existing refineries, increasing production capacity, and attracting investment. The Daily Times provided additional context, noting the stalled upgrade programme and the revised framework's aim to unlock $6 billion for refineries. ARY News (English) offered a brief headline without elaborating on policy details or financial goals. - **ARY News (English)** — [Petrol, diesel: Pakistan unveils new refining policy](https://arynews.tv/petrol-diesel-pakistan-unveils-new-refining-policy) · 29 Jul 2026, 3:07 PM PKT - **Business Recorder** — [Amendments to Oil Refining Policy 2023 approved](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432315/amendments-to-oil-refining-policy-2023-approved) · 29 Jul 2026, 6:00 AM PKT · 73% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday approved amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 aimed at facilitating the upgradation of existing oil refineries, increasing production capacity and promoting investment in the refining sector. The approval was granted at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said modernization of refineries w... - **Daily Times** — [Refining Policy](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1529990/refining-policy/) · 29 Jul 2026, 3:37 AM PKT · 64% identical wording to the newest filing > The Cabinet Committee on Energy’s approval of Brownfield Refining Policy revives an upgrade programme that had remained stalled for years. The revised framework seeks to unlock $6 billion for existing refineries through fiscal incentives, foreign-exchange facilities for machinery imports, and additional offshore and onshore storage. The delay had repeatedly made headlines for its steep price. […] ### 28 Jul 2026 — PM Shehbaz approves $6 billion refinery upgrades under amended 2023 policy (13 outlets) > Most outlets reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, focusing on refinery upgrades and energy security. Several emphasized the $6 billion investment and the goal of attracting foreign investment, while others highlighted the directive to increase strategic petroleum reserves. A few also noted the policy's aim to produce cleaner Euro-V fuels and reduce fuel import dependence. The framing was largely consistent across outlets, with variations in emphasis on investment, energy security, and environmental benefits. - **Dawn** — [Govt approves new oil refining policy after years; what does it mean?](https://www.dawn.com/news/2019003/govt-approves-new-oil-refining-policy-after-years-what-does-it-mean) · 28 Jul 2026, 5:58 PM PKT > ISLAMABAD: After six years of deadlock, the government on Tuesday approved the Brownfield Refining Policy to modernise the country’s petroleum refineries with an estimated investment of about $6bn to improve product quality and increase production. The policy — approved by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — provides stability clauses to protect investm... - **Daily Times** — [PM Shehbaz orders expansion of strategic petroleum reserves](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1529758/pm-shehbaz-orders-expansion-of-strategic-petroleum-reserves/) · 28 Jul 2026, 4:11 PM PKT · 66% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expand Pakistan’s strategic petroleum reserves while approving amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, describing refinery modernisation as a key pillar of the country’s long-term energy security. Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, he said modern refineries would strengthen the energy sector, reduce […] - **Dunya News** — [PM Shehbaz approves refining policy changes to upgrade Pakistan's oil refineries](https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/965063-pm-shehbaz-approves-refining-policy-changes-to-upgrade-pakistans-oil-) · 28 Jul 2026, 3:20 PM PKT · 77% identical wording to the newest filing > Cabinet approves amendments to Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, promoting refinery upgrades, Euro-V fuels, energy security, and foreign investment. - **Aaj News (English)** — [PM Shehbaz calls for refinery upgrades to cut fuel import bill](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330465473/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-refinery-upgrades-to-cut-fuel-import-bill) · 28 Jul 2026, 2:30 PM PKT · 69% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that modernising Pakistan’s oil refineries was essential to national energy security, as the upgraded facilities would reduce reliance on imports and deliver cleaner, eco-friendly fuel. The prime minister said this while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, which approved the proposed amendments in the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy,... - **The Nation** — [Cabinet approves amendments to oil refining policy to boost energy security](https://www.nation.com.pk/28-Jul-2026/cabinet-approves-amendments-oil-refining-policy-boost-energy-security) · 28 Jul 2026, 2:15 PM PKT · 72% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, which approved proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 aimed at upgrading the country's refining sector and strengthening energy security. - **Arab News Pakistan** — [Pakistan to pitch refinery upgrade plan in Gulf as government pushes cleaner fuel production](https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2652549/pakistan) · 28 Jul 2026, 2:07 PM PKT · 72% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to hold investment roadshows in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf countries to promote Pakistan’s refinery upgrade plan, his office said on Tuesday, as Pakistan aims to upgrade its domestic refining sector and produce fuels that meet international environmental standards. Most of the country’s refineries are decades old and rela... - **Pakistan Observer** — [Refinery upgrades expected to attract up to $6 billion in investment](https://pakobserver.net/refinery-upgrades-expected-to-attract-up-to-6-billion-in-investment/) · 28 Jul 2026, 1:31 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD – The approval of amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 is expected to pave the way for… - **24 News HD** — [PM Shehbaz orders enhancing Pakistan’s strategic oil reserves](https://www.24newshd.tv/28-Jul-2026/pm-shehbaz-orders-enhancing-pakistan-s-strategic-oil-reserves) · 28 Jul 2026, 1:04 PM PKT · 60% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for the upgradation of oil refineries as it constitutes a key pillar of Pakistan's comprehensive energy security framework, ordering relevant authorities to enhance country’s strategic oil reserves, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. - **Samaa** — [Cabinet approves oil refining policy amendments, PM orders larger fuel reserves](https://www.samaa.tv/2087354316-cabinet-approves-oil-refining-policy-amendments-pm-orders-larger-fuel-reserves) · 28 Jul 2026, 12:19 PM PKT · 66% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan approves amendments to the Oil Refining Policy 2023 as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders refinery upgrades, larger strategic petroleum reserves and energy sector reforms. - **BOL News** — [Pakistan approves refinery policy amendments to attract investment, boost fuel output](https://www.bolnews.com/business/pakistan-approves-refinery-policy-amendments-to-attract-investment-boost-fuel-output/) · 28 Jul 2026, 12:06 PM PKT · 78% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Pakistan approved amendments to its 2023 Oil Refining Policy to accelerate modernization of existing refineries, increase production of cleaner Euro-V fuels and strengthen the country’s energy security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to promote the revised policy among Gulf investors, ordering roadshows in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to attract in... - **Business Recorder** — [PM Shehbaz approves amendments to Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, orders swift implementation](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432152/pm-shehbaz-approves-amendments-to-pakistan-oil-refining-policy-2023-orders-swift-implementation) · 28 Jul 2026, 12:00 PM PKT · 70% identical wording to the newest filing > Approving the proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy, 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that effective and timely implementation of the new policy must be ensured, and no negligence or delay in this regard will be tolerated under any circumstances. He said this while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said ... - **ProPakistani** — [PM Shehbaz Approves $6 Billion Refinery Upgrades Plan](https://propakistani.pk/2026/07/28/pm-shehbaz-approves-6-billion-refinery-upgrade-plan/) · 28 Jul 2026, 11:50 AM PKT · 77% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved amendments to Pakistan’s Brownfield Refinery Policy 2023, paving the way for long awaited upgrades… Read More The post PM Shehbaz Approves $6 Billion Refinery Upgrades Plan appeared first on ProPakistani. - **The Express Tribune** — [Cabinet approves amendments to Oil Refining Policy for Euro-V fuel rollout](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620714/cabinet-approves-amendments-to-oil-refining-policy-for-euro-v-fuel-rollout) · 28 Jul 2026, 5:53 AM PKT · 72% identical wording to the newest filing > PM Shehbaz warns against delays, orders Gulf roadshows to promote amended policy for brownfield refinery projects ## Part of a bigger story Other stories whose coverage resembles this one, nearest first. "% related" compares whole stories, not single articles — see [what the percentages mean](https://harzaviya.com/methodology). - [Four oil refineries sign upgrade agreements](https://harzaviya.com/stories/10365-pakistan-s-three-major-refineries-ink-upgrade-agreements) · 25 Sep 2026 · 10 outlets · 2 developments · 84% related - [Pakistan's oil refineries to sign $6 billion upgrade deals early next month](https://harzaviya.com/stories/5093-pakistan-s-refineries-set-to-sign-6-billion-modernization) · 29 Aug 2026 · 8 outlets · 2 developments · 84% related - [Pakistan’s refinery upgrade plan moves forward with planned $5bn investment](https://harzaviya.com/stories/3576-pakistan-s-refinery-upgrade-plan-gains-momentum) · 17 Aug 2026 · 3 outlets · 81% related - [Pakistan set to sign $6 billion refinery upgrade agreements](https://harzaviya.com/stories/5999-pakistan-set-to-sign-agreements-with-five-oil-refineries) · 4 Sep 2026 · 6 outlets · 2 developments · 81% related - [Pakistan Aims for $5 Billion in Refinery Investment Deals](https://harzaviya.com/stories/2413-petroleum-minister-eyes-5bn-refinery-investment-deals-in-few) · 10 Aug 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 developments · 77% related 22 articles from 14 outlets, 28–31 Jul 2026. 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