Petroleum supply chain reforms back on the table

December 04, 2025 (MLN): The government is evaluating a new set of industry-driven reforms to overhaul Pakistan’s petroleum supply chain, following a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and representatives of the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) and the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) on Wednesday.

According to officials present in the meeting, the industry proposed a detailed reform roadmap aimed at fixing long-standing inefficiencies in fuel availability, storage, and distribution, areas that have repeatedly come under pressure during periods of demand spikes and global price swings.

The proposals also call for stricter oversight of supply flows, improved stock monitoring, and digital tracking systems to reduce leakages and delays, according to the press release. 

The minister said the government is reviewing the recommendations as part of its broader push to modernize the energy sector.

Pakistan has been working to digitize regulatory processes across fuel imports, pricing, and logistics, a move expected to improve transparency and cut operational bottlenecks that often lead to supply disruptions.

Industry officials described the discussion as a shift toward more regular government–private sector coordination.

OMAP and OCAC have long argued that Pakistan’s petroleum chain, spanning over 20 oil marketing companies, more than 9,000 retail outlets, and critical import infrastructure, requires structural reforms to improve resilience and reduce volatility for both consumers and the market.

The meeting comes at a time when global oil prices remain uncertain and domestic consumption patterns continue to fluctuate, increasing the need for streamlined supply systems.

Any regulatory changes emerging from these consultations are expected to influence fuel availability, pricing stability, and operational planning for refineries and oil marketing companies.

Representatives from both industry bodies welcomed the engagement, calling it a “positive step” toward resolving chronic supply chain gaps and strengthening policymaking through direct consultation.

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