Petroleum sector reforms aim to end smuggling, improve transparency

January 19, 2026 (MLN): The government has rolled out wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in the petroleum sector, with a focus on curbing smuggling, strengthening oversight and modernizing systems across the fuel supply chain.

According to the Petroleum Division, a Track and Trace System has been introduced to eliminate smuggling at petrol pumps and within the fuel supply chain, while the Raahguzar Mobile App has been launched to help consumers identify legal petrol pumps.

Under the reform agenda, fuel tankers, terminals and retail outlets are being linked through an integrated digital system to ensure end-to-end monitoring, as reported by RadioPakistan

Automatic tank gauges and digital nozzles will also be installed at petrol pumps to improve measurement accuracy, transparency and regulatory oversight.

In the exploration segment, bidding for offshore oil and gas blocks was conducted last year after a gap of eighteen years, attracting bids for twenty-three blocks.

To further enhance transparency, the government plans to introduce a new online portal for the bidding process of oil and gas blocks.

Meanwhile, amendments to the Petroleum Act of 1934 have been approved to allow stricter action against the sale and movement of illegal petroleum products.

In the gas sector, a transparent reporting mechanism has also been implemented to ensure accurate data on demand and supply, pricing and circular debt, supporting better policy decisions and accountability.

Copyright Mettis Link News