ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the authorities to develop a comprehensive fuel movement monitoring system across the country on the pattern of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) modern tracking system, as he reviewed reforms and institutional capacity enhancement of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

Chairing a high-level meeting, the prime minister directed that the government’s reform agenda be implemented uniformly across all institutions.

He directed that advanced technology and software be used to establish digital monitoring of the petroleum supply chain from ports and refineries to petrol pumps. The prime minister further directed that reputable experts from the private sector be appointed to strengthen Ogra’s institutional capacity.

PM Shehbaz called for Ogra’s reorganisation and said experts should be appointed to every department and position through a transparent, merit-based process.

Orders FBR-style digital monitoring of fuel supply chain

He affirmed that the government would provide all necessary professional expertise to support Ogra’s reforms and restructuring.

“The government will safeguard every single penny of the public. No one will be allowed to exploit the people or interfere with the system,” the prime minister said. He also directed all regulatory bodies to establish formal coordination mechanisms with their respective ministries. The prime minister instructed that work on the upgradation of oil refineries under the approved national policy be accelerated.

During the meeting, the Ogra chairman gave a detailed briefing on the authority’s current performance, key challenges and comprehensive reform programme.

The meeting was informed that Ogra had made significant progress in digitally monitoring the oil supply chain from ports to petrol pumps.

Several digital systems have already been activated, including the National Monitoring Dashboard, Tanker Track and Trace System, Depot Tank Telemetry, Rahguzar Mobile App, Digital Sales Entry System at petrol pumps and Central Monitoring Cell.

The meeting was told that these systems enabled effective monitoring of the movement, storage and sale of petroleum products.

The prime minister was informed that a data-driven special enforcement campaign in July 2026 had identified multiple cases of hoarding, unnecessary supply disruptions and other violations.

Show-cause notices, requests for explanations and other legal actions were initiated against the violators.

The meeting also received a briefing on Ogra’s comprehensive reform programme, which includes digitalisation of the authority, restructuring of the enforcement system, establishment of a Compliance Wing, reforms in the licensing framework, improved management of legal affairs, strengthening of financial resources and institutional restructuring.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026