Private Firm Opens $1 Million Fuel Testing Laboratory in Balkh

A private company has established a fuel quality testing center in Balkh with an investment of $1 million.

The center is equipped with more than 30 advanced machines and is expected to test the quality of different petroleum products in line with international standards.

The company’s director, Yar Mohammad Noori, said: “We have around 36 machines and have invested nearly $1 million in this laboratory. All of our equipment has been calibrated and meets international standards. We guarantee the quality of fuel across all provinces of the country.”

Javid Adalat, a member of the Balkh Petroleum Association, said: “We also ask other traders to invest in this sector. We need not only a petroleum laboratory but also laboratories for food products, clothing, paints and other sectors so that traders invest in them.”

The center evaluates the quality of various petroleum products, including aviation fuel, using advanced equipment and international standards.

According to officials, the center will play an important role in improving the quality of fuel available in the market.

Company employee Bijan Muslim said: “We carry out tests on petrol, diesel, motor oil and, in general, aviation fuel.”

Previously, fuel testing was conducted by the National Standards Authority, but officials say the new center will help prevent the import of low-quality petroleum products and reduce the need for foreign laboratories.

Fuel seller Mohammad Sadiq said: “Previously, we had to go to government offices to test fuel, and it took between two and four days. Now we can receive the test results from this laboratory within two to three hours.”

Previously, some people had raised concerns about the sale of low-quality fuel in markets and called for effective mechanisms to monitor and control the quality of petroleum products.