PM directs fast-track OGRA reforms, digital monitoring of fuel supply chain

ISLAMABAD, Jul 31 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the implementation of comprehensive reforms in the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), stressing the need for greater transparency, stronger oversight, and enhanced institutional capacity to ensure an efficient and accountable petroleum sector.

Chairing a high-level meeting on revamping and digitization of OGRA, the prime minister said the government’s reform agenda must be implemented uniformly across all public institutions.

He instructed authorities to develop a robust nationwide fuel movement monitoring system by adopting the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) modern tracking mechanism as a model.

The prime minister also called for the use of advanced technology and software to digitally monitor the entire petroleum supply chain, from ports and refineries to petrol pumps, to improve transparency and curb irregularities.

To strengthen OGRA’s institutional capacity, he directed that reputable experts from the private sector be recruited through a transparent, merit-based process as part of the authority’s restructuring. He assured that the government would provide all necessary professional expertise to support the reform process.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting public resources, the prime minister said every penny of taxpayers’ money would be safeguarded and warned that no one would be allowed to exploit consumers or manipulate the system. He also instructed all regulatory authorities to establish formal coordination mechanisms with their respective ministries and directed that work on upgrading the country’s oil refineries under the approved policy be expedited.

During the meeting, OGRA Chairman briefed participants on the authority’s current performance, key challenges, and a comprehensive reform programme. The meeting was informed that OGRA has made significant progress in digitally monitoring the petroleum supply chain through the activation of several systems, including the National Monitoring Dashboard, Tanker Track and Trace System, Depot Tank Telemetry, Rahguzar Mobile Application, Digital Sales Entry System at petrol pumps, and a Central Monitoring Cell.

Officials said these digital platforms are enabling more effective monitoring of petroleum products from transportation and storage to retail sales.

The prime minister was also informed that a data-driven enforcement campaign carried out during July 2026 detected multiple cases of hoarding, unnecessary supply disruptions, and other regulatory violations. As a result, authorities issued show-cause notices, sought explanations from those involved, and initiated legal proceedings where necessary.

The meeting also reviewed OGRA’s broader reform agenda, which includes digitalization of the authority, restructuring of its enforcement mechanism, establishment of a compliance wing, reforms to the licensing framework, improved legal management, strengthening of financial resources, and reorganization of the institutional structure.

Appreciating the proposed reform programme, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed that the digital monitoring system be made fully operational as soon as possible to eliminate hoarding and profiteering while ensuring complete transparency in the oil and gas sector.

He emphasized that uninterrupted fuel supplies and fair pricing for consumers remained the government’s top priorities and made it clear that negligence or corruption would not be tolerated.

The prime minister also directed relevant ministries and departments to expedite all legal, administrative, and policy measures necessary to strengthen OGRA and modernize Pakistan’s regulatory framework.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, and other senior government officials.