SIFC clears way for strategic Machike-Tarru Jabba White Oil Pipeline

The Machike–Thallian–Tarru Jabba White Oil Pipeline (WOP), a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s energy security, is likely to start soon after the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) successfully facilitates approvals from different ministries and departments.

SIFC said that the pipeline has remained on its priority agenda, with the Memorandum of Understanding signed under SIFC’s platform, highlighting its role in promoting international collaboration and facilitating investment in Pakistan’s critical energy sector.

Through proactive engagement and coordination among relevant stakeholders, SIFC said it has helped address key challenges and facilitated the necessary approvals, enabling progress on this strategically important project.

The White Oil Pipeline will establish a vital south-to-north corridor for white oil transportation across Pakistan. Upon completion, the project will improve fuel supply efficiency, reduce reliance on road-based transportation, lower logistics costs, minimise fuel losses, and enhance the overall reliability of the country’s energy supply chain.

 “The successful facilitation of the White Oil Pipeline reflects SIFC’s continued role in strengthening Pakistan’s business ecosystem, unlocking investment opportunities, and accelerating key infrastructure projects that support sustainable economic growth and national development,” read the statement.

The Machike-Thallian-Tarru Jabba White Oil Pipeline (MTT-WOP) is a strategic energy infrastructure project aimed at extending Pakistan’s oil pipeline network from Karachi to Khyber.

The pipeline is designed to facilitate the energy-efficient movement of petroleum products, primarily Motor Gasoline and High Speed Diesel, throughout the country. It is intended to complete the existing pipeline network from Karachi to Machike, reducing the reliance on oil tankers for transportation towards northern Pakistan, which is considered dangerous.

The MTT-WOP extends the existing White Oil Pipeline network from Machike, near Lahore, to Tarujabba, near Peshawar. It consists of two main segments: Machike-Thallian and Thallian-Tarujabba, which run along the Motorway. The 477-kilometre-long pipeline will also offer connectivity options with Attock refinery, Chakpirana, and Faqirabad.

The project is spearheaded by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). A consortium for the project was formed with the signing of an MoU involving the FWO, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), and Inter-State Gas Systems (Pvt) Ltd (ISGS). The project company is Frontier Oil Company (FOC), also known as Frontier Oil Company-I (FOC-I). Azerbaijan’s state-owned company SOCAR holds a 25% share in FOC.