Pakistan okays construction of white oil pipeline project

Pipeline will forge a crucial link between Machike, Thalian and Taru Jabba, enhancing connectivity across key oil distribution points

By Our Correspondent
September 19, 2024
Representational image shows workers standing near the Tapi gas pipeline. — Reuters/File

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark decision to transform the nation’s oil distribution network, Pakistan on Wednesday decided to soon start work on the construction of White Oil Pipeline which is spearheaded by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

An agreement for the Machike-Thallian-Tarujabba White Oil Pipeline Project has been signed, marking a significant step towards completing Pakistan’s oil pipeline backbone from Karachi to Peshawar. The agreement was finalised on Wednesday here, with stakeholders including Pakistan State Oil and Frontier Works Organization participating in the ceremony.

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Stretching 477 kilometers, the pipeline will forge a crucial link between Machike, Thalian and Taru Jabba, enhancing connectivity across key oil distribution points.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan Refinery Limited (PARCO) and Interstate Gas Systems. The White Oil Pipeline is set to run parallel to the motorway in two stages, connecting Attock Refinery with critical sites such as Chak Pirana and Faqirabad. This strategic route is expected to dramatically cut transportation costs, potentially saving billions of rupees for the national treasury.

With an initial capacity of 7 million tonnes per year, the pipeline is designed to be expandable to 10 million tonnes, offering future growth potential. Beyond its economic benefits, the pipeline aims to enhance safety measures and minimize the risk of petroleum product adulteration. The new pipeline will ensure that petroleum products reach their destinations more reliably and securely.

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