By Abdul Ghani

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), is implementing a nationwide digital supply chain monitoring system that will electronically track petroleum stocks from import to retail sale to curb pilferage and irregularities, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The document states that the project is designed to capture real-time stock data from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), refineries, third-party storage facilities and retail outlets through Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) sensors.

The document says the digital platform will enable authorities to track and trace all imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products throughout the entire supply chain, allowing reconciliation of petroleum volumes at every stage to curb leakages, pilferage and irregularities.

According to the document, the integrated system will also be accessible to key government agencies, including Pakistan Customs, the FBR and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), enabling them to improve oversight, strengthen data visibility and reconcile information with their respective Management Information Systems (MIS).

It says that the initiative aims to create a unified digital monitoring framework to improve transparency, regulatory compliance and tax administration in Pakistan's oil supply chain.

The document clarifies that matters governing customs-bonded petroleum stocks—including in-bonding, ex-bonding, duty status and stock reconciliation—fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Pakistan Customs and the FBR pursuant to the Customs Act, 1969.

It further notes that any ongoing audit or investigation into alleged stock shortages, unauthorised sale or transfer of bonded petroleum products, as well as any corrective measures or accountability proceedings, should be pursued by Customs and the FBR rather than OGRA.

The development signals closer institutional coordination between OGRA and revenue authorities to enhance regulatory oversight, improve tax compliance and establish a transparent, technology-driven petroleum supply chain across the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk