Govt sets up panel after talks with oil tanker association

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Oil Tankers Contractors Association agreed on Monday to form a committee to address long-standing issues facing tanker owners, as authorities moved to avert any disruption to fuel supplies.

The Petroleum Division said the talks ended on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to work together and resolve the association’s concerns within two weeks. A separate committee, headed by the special secretary for petroleum, has been tasked with reviewing the issues raised by the association and submitting its recommendations within one week.

The body will include the director general (oil), representatives of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, the Oil Tankers Contractors Association and the secretary general of the Oil Companies Advisory Council.

During the meeting, the association’s delegation, led by its president Abidullah Afridi, pressed for a cut in the White Oil Pipeline quota, a transparent system for freight contracts awarded by oil marketing companies, linkage of the freight formula with the Consumer Price Index, and an immediate end to commercial loading.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik directed Ogra to engage with stakeholders on what the Petroleum Division described as the genuine concerns of oil tanker contractors. He also asked oil marketing companies to submit their written policies for awarding freight contracts so that any discriminatory practices could be identified and addressed.

The minister further instructed Ogra to ensure effective tracking of oil tankers and make sure that dealers’ vehicles were not counted as part of primary transportation.

Ali Pervaiz Malik said, "The government’s foremost priority is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and facilitate the public," adding that "all stakeholders must work together in the national interest, particularly during challenging times." He also assured the delegation that legitimate concerns would be considered and resolved through mutual consultation.

The association welcomed the minister’s approach and expressed confidence that the outstanding issues could be settled through dialogue and cooperation.