Malik forms panel to resolve oil tankers issues within a week

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a successful meeting with a delegation of the Oil Tanker Contractors Association (OTCA), led by its President, Abidullah Afridi. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to work together to resolve the issues facing the oil tanker industry. The Minister constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Special Secretary Petroleum to examine the concerns raised by the association and submit its recommendations within one week.
The committee will comprise the Director General (Oil), representatives of OGRA, the Oil Tanker Contractors Association (OTCA), and the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC).
During the meeting, the OTCA delegation presented its key demands, including a decreased quota for the White Oil Pipeline, a transparent mechanism for the award of freight contracts by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), linkage of the freight formula with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the immediate discontinuation of commercial loading.
The Minister directed OGRA to work closely with stakeholders to resolve the genuine concerns of oil tanker contractors. He requested OMCs submit their written policies governing the award of freight contracts so that any discriminatory practices, if found, could be addressed. Furthermore, he instructed OGRA to ensure effective tracking of oil tankers and to ensure that dealers’ vehicles are not included in primary transportation.
Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the Government’s foremost priority is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and facilitate the public. He said all stakeholders must work together in the national interest, particularly during challenging times, and assured the delegation that all genuine concerns would be given due consideration and resolved through mutual consultation.
The OTCA appreciated the Minister’s positive approach and welcomed the constitution of the committee, expressing confidence that the issues would be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.