Pakistan modernizes oil sector with digital supply chain

ISLAMABAD: In a major push towards modernization, Pakistan’s oil industry is adopting digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction.

On Wednesday, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), alongside the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), unveiled a mobile application named Raahguzar. The app, powered by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, promises to locate legal petrol pumps and expose the illegal ones dotting the country’s landscape. The app, hailed as a pioneering effort, is part of a broader ambition to digitize Pakistan’s oil supply chain. “The launch of ‘Raahguzar’ is the first phase of a comprehensive track-and-trace system designed to foster accountability, prevent economic leakages and curb illegal activities in the oil sector,” sources said. Illegal petrol pumps—often referred to as “dabba stations”—are a persistent menace, costing the economy billions in lost revenue while undermining legitimate operators. The app offers a platform where consumers, law enforcement agencies, and district governments can verify petrol stations’ legality. It also allows users to report overpricing, quality issues or unauthorized outlets with just a few taps.