Islamabad: In a move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the oil tanker industry, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik convened a meeting with the Oil Tanker Contractors Association (OTCA), led by its President, Abidullah Afridi. The meeting resulted in an agreement to collaboratively tackle industry issues, with the formation of a high-level committee tasked to submit its findings and recommendations within one week.

According to Press Information Department, the newly formed committee will be headed by the Special Secretary Petroleum and will include the Director General (Oil), representatives from OGRA, the Oil Tanker Contractors Association, and the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC).

The OTCA delegation raised several key demands during the meeting. These included a reduced quota for the White Oil Pipeline, a transparent mechanism for awarding freight contracts by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), linking the freight formula with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and halting commercial loading immediately.

Minister Malik instructed OGRA to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the legitimate concerns of oil tanker contractors. He also requested OMCs to provide their written policies on freight contract awards to identify and rectify any discriminatory practices. Further, OGRA was directed to implement effective tracking of oil tankers and ensure that dealers’ vehicles are excluded from primary transportation.

Emphasizing the government’s priority of ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies, Minister Malik urged all stakeholders to cooperate in the national interest, especially during difficult times. He assured the OTCA delegation that their valid concerns would be addressed through mutual consultation. The OTCA expressed appreciation for the Minister’s constructive approach and expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to resolve the issues through dialogue and cooperation.