ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Caretaker Federal Minister for Energy, Muhammad Ali, emphasized the need for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to actively discourage smuggling activities within the country and put an end to the widespread sale of smuggled goods.
During a meeting with a delegation of OMCs led by Secretary-General Dr. Nazir Abbas Zaidi, the minister highlighted the ongoing extensive crackdown against smugglers.
Total Parco Pakistan Chief Executive Officer Mehmet Celepoglu also participated in the meeting through a video conference and appealed to the minister to establish a uniform policy.
Oil Marketing Companies Concern
The minister assured his full support and directed the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Additional Secretary In-charge of the Ministry of Energy to prioritize addressing the concerns raised by the OMC delegation.
Additionally, Muhammad Ali held a crucial meeting with the management of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) at PSO House in Karachi. Managing Director PSO, Syed Muhammad Taha, briefed the minister on the company’s overall performance and the challenges it currently faces.
Taha informed the minister that PSO maintains an extensive network of 3,500 outlets nationwide.
The minister instructed the PSO management to work towards minimizing the circular debt, considering PSO’s pivotal role as Pakistan’s leading energy company.
The meeting was attended by Chairman OGRA, Masroor Khan, and Additional Secretary Incharge of the Ministry of Energy, Momin Agha.
