The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has mandated stringent supervision of petrol stations across Pakistan following a fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The regulatory authority has instructed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to closely monitor unusual sales patterns of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) at their retail outlets.
In a significant development, OGRA emphasized the need for uninterrupted petroleum product supplies throughout the country. OMCs have been directed to enhance their internal monitoring mechanisms and promptly report any suspicious or irregular sales activities to the authorities. The regulatory body warned that any illegal transactions at filling stations would be met with swift punitive measures.
The advisory highlighted that fuel distribution must strictly align with actual consumer demand, aiming to uphold transparency and stability within the supply chain during these challenging times.
Meanwhile, under the Prime Minister’s directive, OGRA has received an initial installment of 27 billion rupees from the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund. This allocation is intended to settle claims related to petrol price differentials, a consequence of government efforts to shield consumers from rising international oil prices. The funds were secured through various federal government expenditure reductions and deposited into the PM Austerity Fund.
Notably, the government is also exploring further cost-cutting strategies to provide public relief while maintaining fiscal discipline and identifying additional savings opportunities.
