Industry estimates show the first claim of around Rs 27 billion, filed in mid-March, was only partially settled, while subsequent claims worth Rs 70-80 billion remain entirely unpaid. The cumulative exposure has left companies operating on razor-thin margins and struggling to sustain the cash flow, as per the article in the Karachi-based Express Tribune.

Officials say the issue is not transparency but unpredictability. Each time OMCs move to comply, Ogra introduces fresh documentation demands – from invoice-level reconciliations to repeated CEO, CFO, and auditor certifications – effectively resetting the process. A revised format was circulated as recently as Monday night, with no clarity on whether further changes will follow. "Each time the industry prepares to comply, a new requirement arrives. There is no finishing line in sight," a senior industry source said, noting that some audit firms may refuse involvement as the requirements fall outside of the standard audit scope.

The situation may worsen if the regulatory authority proceeds with a proposal to withhold 10 per cent of the payments until tax reconciliation with the Federal Board of Revenue – a move that could lock up another Rs7.4 billion for up to two months.

Price differential claims arise when the government caps fuel prices below procurement cost, and the difference needs to be reimbursed. Delays force oil marketing companies to bridge the gap through borrowing, which adds to the financial strain.