ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Oil Tankers Contractors Association (OTCA) on Monday agreed to form a committee to address issues facing tanker owners within two weeks, the Petroleum Division said.
According to a statement issued by the Petroleum Division, the talks between the government and the OTCA were successful.
The OTCA delegation, led by its president, Abidullah Afridi, concluded the meeting on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to work together to resolve the issues facing the oil tanker industry, it added.
Moreover, a committee led by the special secretary for petroleum was constituted to examine the concerns raised by the association and submit its recommendations within one week.
The committee comprised the director general (oil), representatives of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and the OTCA, and the secretary general of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC).
During the meeting, the OTCA delegation presented its key demands, including a reduction in the White Oil Pipeline quota, a transparent mechanism for the award of freight contracts by oil marketing companies (OMCs), linking the freight formula to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the immediate discontinuation of commercial loading.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik directed Ogra to work closely with stakeholders to address the genuine concerns of oil tanker contractors, the statement said.
The minister requested OMCs to submit their written policies governing the award of freight contracts so that any discriminatory practices, if found, could be addressed.
Furthermore, he instructed OGRA to ensure effective tracking of oil tankers and that dealers’ vehicles were not included in primary transportation.
“The government’s foremost priority is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and facilitate the public,” the statement quoted the minister as saying.
“All stakeholders must work together in the national interest, particularly during challenging times,” he stated, assuring the OTCA delegation that all genuine concerns would be given due consideration and resolved through mutual consultation.
The OTCA appreciated the minister’s positive approach and welcomed the constitution of the committee, expressing confidence that the issues would be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.
