Oil sector confirms uninterrupted fuel supply

KARACHI: Pakistan’s oil sector has assured the government of the smooth and uninterrupted supply of fuel amid the current critical situation, as the country prepares to deliver a befitting response to India’s missile attack on Pakistani soil.

“Given the current security situation and its potential impact on energy infrastructure and the oil supply chain, we recognise the immense pressure facing the oil and gas sector,” said the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), the representative body of oil and gas companies in Pakistan, in a letter to the Director General Oil, Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division).

“At this critical juncture, when national energy security is paramount, we reaffirm our full commitment to supporting the government of Pakistan,” the council declared.

It added that teams are prepared to provide round-the-clock support and are ready to deploy capabilities wherever needed to help ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the oil sector. “We remain fully aligned with the ministry’s directives and stand ready to assist whenever called upon,” the OCAC said.

The OCAC expressed its willingness to undertake any special assignments, consultations or collaborative initiatives as required. Meanwhile, the refining sector assured Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik of sufficient production of JP-8 and high-speed diesel (HSD) during a key meeting to review crude oil and petroleum product stocks.

The minister directed refineries to maintain adequate stocks of crude oil to ensure the continuous production of JP-8 and HSD for defence needs. He also instructed oil marketing companies to lift petroleum products promptly after refineries requested the off-take of POL products to facilitate crude processing and the production of JP-8 and HSD.

Last month, the government directed refineries to enhance the production of HSD and JP-8 for the armed forces in anticipation of potential conflict, following heightened tensions between the two nuclear states after the Pahalgam attack.

Oil marketing companies (OMCs), including the state-owned Pakistan State Oil (PSO), have also been directed to ensure the timely import of petroleum products.

The top management of all five refineries -- Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) Limited, Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), National Refinery Limited (NRL), Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL), and Cnergyico PK Limited (CPL) -- along with the OCAC secretary general and the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) chairperson, were instructed to ensure maximum availability of HSD and JP-8.

HSD is critical for troop mobilisation, powering tanks and other military equipment at border areas, while the Pakistan Air Force uses JP-8 as aviation fuel. Currently, the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and Pakistan Navy remain on high alert.

OMCs were also tasked with ensuring the timely import of petroleum products and enhancing the security of key installations, including oil depots across the country, in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).