Used lube oil import causes political ruckus in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry has reduced the quantity of allowable one-time importation of used lube oil from 10 million tons to 50,000 tons by Multan-based Ideal Trading Company, following a newspaper report. The Business Recorder said the company received special permission based on the recommendations of a member of the National Assembly from Baluchistan. Pakistan has never allowed the importation of used lube oil before, the paper said, as it is considered a hazardous waste and as such is banned under the Basel Convention. (February 24, 2010)