New Delhi, March 23
In another sign of improving trade relations, India may soon begin petrol exports to Pakistan from the Bathinda oil refinery. Though a broad decision seems to have been reached between the two countries, terms and conditions like price and volumes remain to be negotiated.

Following the removal of restrictions on import of goods from India, Pakistan has sought immediate supplies of petrol. “I discussed importing petrol from India during talks with the Petroleum Secretary here,” Pakistan Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Resources Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry said on the sidelines of the 7th Asia Gas Partnership Summit here.

Pakistan has a shortage of fuel and imports its fuel from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia. It is looking at starting petrol imports from India using tankers as early as next month, but issues of quality and specification need to be sorted out before that.