Pakistan Petroleum Limited

The pioneer of the natural gas industry in the country, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has been a frontline player in the energy sector since the mid-1950s. As a major supplier of natural gas, PPL today contributes some 25 percent of the country's total natural gas supplies besides producing crude oil, Natural Gas Liquid and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
The company's history can be traced back to the establishment of a public limited company in June 1950, with major shareholding by Burmah Oil Company (BOC) of the United Kingdom. In September 1997, BOC disinvested from the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector world-wide and sold its equity in PPL to the Government of Pakistan. Subsequently, the government reduced its holding through an initial public offer in June 2004, which was further decreased with the initiation of the Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS) in August 2009 when PPL employees were allotted 12 percent shares from the government's equity. Currently, the company's shareholding is divided between the government, which owns about 70 percent, PPL Employees Empowerment Trust that has approximately 9 percent - being shares transferred to employees under BESOS - and private investors, who hold nearly 21 percent.
PPL operates six producing fields across the country at Sui (Pakistan's largest gas field), Adhi, Kandhkot, Chachar, Mazarani and Hala and holds working interest in twelve partner-operated producing fields, including Qadirpur the country's second largest gas field.
As a major stakeholder in securing a safe energy future for the country, PPL pursues an aggressive exploration agenda aimed at enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and replenish reserves. In Pakistan, the company's exploration portfolio comprises 31 exploration blocks. Of these, PPL operates 19 blocks and has working interest in 12, including two off-shore blocks, as non-operating partner. PPL is also among the first local E&P companies to extend its operations beyond national borders and has an interest in an exploration license in Yemen in a joint venture with OMV and Yemen General Corporation for Oil and Gas.
Over the years, PPL has developed a reliable foundation and infrastructure for providing clean and safe energy through sustainable exploitation of indigenous natural resources while adhering to best practices of corporate governance and employee health and safety and constraining the ecological footprint of its operations.
Health, Safety and Environment Policy
Health and Safety of employees, contractors and visitors along with conservation of the environment associated with the company's activities remains a top priority at PPL. The company's well defined Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy plays a key role in its decision making process to ensure compliance of statutory requirements and to achieve continuous improvement in HSE Management System implementation.
PPL's management is highly commitment towards implementing an HSE culture and believes in its demonstration in every activity of the company. Annual HSE celebrations at fields, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance by staff, contractors and visitors safety induction programs, HSE suggestions / feedback forms, monthly issuance of safety talks, emergency drills, HSE trainings, smoking at designated areas, use of seat belts during occupational travel, active participation of employees in conducting incident investigations, Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Environmental Aspect Impact Analysis (EAIA) are few examples of a well nurtured HSE culture at PPL.
ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 Certifications
In recognition of implementation of HSE Management System Elements inline with the requirements of well recognised ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series standards, PPL's Mazarani, Adhi and Chachar fields, Sui Production, Sui Field Gas Compressor Station, Sui Field Stores, Sui Field Engineering and Drilling Operations, Design and Construction, Projects, Health, Safety and Environment departments and Sui Field Hospital have successfully achieved ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications. Surveillance audits are conducted at PPL certified fields and departments after validating ongoing compliance.
HSE Celebrations at fields In order to optimise HSE orientation and motivation at all PPL operated assets, HSE week is celebrated at various fields. A high level of participation and commitment has been seen during these events. The activities include HSE competitions, walks, trainings and presentations coupled with recognition of staff through prizes. World Day for Safety and Health at work is also being celebrated at the company's field locations and by departments as done the previous year.
Regular HSE Operations Statutory Compliance has been an area of prime importance at PPL. The company regularly monitors effluent and gaseous emissions at all its installations through an external laboratory. The company's fields are registered under Self Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Programme launched by Federal EPA for National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS) compliance.
Formal Initial Environment Examination (IEE) / Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are consistently undertaken at all development projects including drilling and seismic activities initiated by the company in pursuance of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. IEE / EIA Studies are conducted through reputed consultants prior to commencement of projects and submitted to respective provincial EPAs followed by regular monitoring of the implementation of IEE's Environmental Management Plan.
HSE Performance Reports: Monthly reviews and consolidation of HSE Performance Reports is undertaken to determine the effectiveness and compliance status against set HSE targets, procedures and standards. The reports are shared with management for review and advice.
Representation in HSE Expert Committees Forum: PPL actively participates in Pakistan Petroleum Exploration & Production Companies Association (PPEPCA) Forum, known for its collective and consolidated efforts related to HSE in Oil and Gas Sector in Pakistan. PPEPCA has been paying a bridging role in addressing HSE issues between E&P Sector and the relevant government departments.
HSE Training: A number of HSE training modules have been designed to enhance awareness, and sharpen skills of employees including contractors, with an objective to meet the company's commitment to international HSE Standards and Practices. HSE training programs have been developed based on individual HSE Training Needs Assessment Matrix to identify training needs of staff as part of annual training program. These training are organised both at the head office and field locations.
Internal HSE Audits: Internal HSE audit and inspections of offices, fields, drilling and exploratory sites is a regular feature of the HSE function. Audits are conducted as per annual plan, followed by issuance of audit report containing observations along with a set of recommendations to eliminate gaps through action planning.
Emergency Response Drills are conducted regularly at fields and head office. Fire and rescue teams have been identified and trained with backup in the form of auxiliary fire fighting teams. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE compliance is ensured in all activities, especially at fields. All activities are assessed for potential risks and use of appropriate PPEs followed by monitoring through regular inspections and visits.
As a matter of top priority HSE remains the company's commitment and considered as one of the fundamentals embedded in its processes and development activities with a clear objective of making the workplace as safe and environmentally friendly as possible for all its stake holders.