Herat customs officials at Islam Qala border say that they have stopped dozens of tankers carrying low-quality oil in the past few months, adding that the import of low-quality oil has been completely banned.

According to Islam Qala officials, tankers carrying petroleum products are tested daily for quality at this border crossing and only then are the vehicles allowed to enter the country.

The Herat Police Command's Serious Crimes Department emphasized that serious action will be taken against those who continue to import fuel and low-quality food.

The oil that is being imported to the country from Iran is checked by the Standards Department and is fully tested by the facilities and devices we have; therefore, if the test result is negative, tankers will not be allowed to enter, said Shafiqullah Samim, deputy of Herat’s Islam Qala Customs.

“Last week, 80 oil tankers entered the market, but we will not allow them to enter the market until the center gives permission.”

However, Herat Police Command's serious crime management unit has recently taken the issue of low-quality oil imports seriously, and in the past few months, more than ten tankers carrying low-quality oil have been refused entry.

“We have general supervision over all economic resources such as ports, customs and airports, and we pursue bribery, embezzlement, and abuse cases, and after careful evaluation, we forward the files of the offenders to the justice and judicial centers,” said Qari Abdulbasit Saeed, an employee of Herat’s serious crime management unit.

On the other hand, some residents of Herat have welcomed this decision of the local officials of this province, saying that the goal of improving the environment and preventing air pollution is needed to prevent the import of low-quality oil.

“Low-quality oils are introduced into the country's markets, which unfortunately destroys the environment and harms motor vehicles and motorcycles,” said Aziziullah Seddiqi, a Herat resident.

Previously, Herat Police Command's serious crime management unit identified and seized hundreds of tons of low-quality oil inside the city, and also blocked the gate of an oil refinery.