THIS is apropos of the letter ‘Additives in fuel: advice to PSO’ by Naeem Burney (Dec 10). The writer has very appropriately advised the PSO high-ups as regards fuel oil additives.

His views must be given a serious thought by PSO policymakers. It is an unfortunate aspect that in almost all the private organisations in Pakistan, with the exception of multinationals, the culture of research and development is non-existent. Any budget allocated in the name of research is considered wastage. The effects of neglecting research are evident all over the country.

Who advised the PSO to eliminate the additives in petrol and diesel? Such advice, if materialised, could result in the premature failure of expensive and vital machinery parts and equipment, causing a loss of billions of rupees.

The PSO, by eliminating the usage of additives, might save Rs600 million as claimed but the consequential losses will be higher.

As multivitamins enhance the energy level of human beings, additives act as supporting agents. They increase the efficiency of the fuel, eliminating the risk of sludge formation and better atomisation. Additives also help in the timely burning of fuel, reduce soot formation, and maintenance intervals are increased. Above all, the emission of exhaust gases is clean.

For any internal combustion engine, the lubricating oil is blood while fuel is diet. As for a healthy living a balanced diet is vital, a balanced fuel oil with necessary additives is a prerequisite for longer and trouble-free operation of the machine. In Pakistan decisions are often made without taking into consideration the future. A very crude example of this attitude is the usage of wood-fired furnaces. Wood is being burnt in boilers, kilns, etc., without taking into account its far-reaching impact on environment and the economy.

We are eliminating wildlife by burning forests, and we are reducing oxygen levels.

AAMIR AQIL Lahore