Energy security: Minister calls for boosting POL storage & supply chain

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has emphasised expanding strategic petroleum storage and strengthening fuel supply-chain resilience as part of the government’s efforts to improve Pakistan’s energy security.

The minister made the remarks during separate meetings with the leadership of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and the management of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in Karachi, where energy security, petroleum-sector reforms, investment and infrastructure development were discussed.

At OICCI, Ali Pervaiz Malik briefed senior Chamber officials, industry stakeholders and foreign investors on government initiatives to strengthen exploration, modernise refining infrastructure and advance reforms across the petroleum sector.

He highlighted bonded storage and strategic petroleum reserves initiatives as part of the government’s energy-security measures.

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The minister said the government was pursuing reforms across exploration, refining and downstream markets while engaging industry stakeholders to address practical challenges and create an environment capable of attracting domestic and foreign investment.

OICCI members, meanwhile, highlighted consistency in policies and the tax framework, transparency and adequate security as important factors for strengthening investor confidence.

OICCI President Yousaf Hussain said the petroleum sector was critical to Pakistan’s economic activity and investment ecosystem. He welcomed the minister’s engagement with the business community and said continued dialogue could help address practical industry issues while supporting the government’s reform and investment objectives.

OICCI Chief Executive and Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem stressed that predictability in the regulatory and commercial environment was essential for foreign investors making long-term investment decisions. He said continued government-industry engagement and timely resolution of outstanding industry matters could further strengthen investor confidence and support investment in Pakistan’s petroleum sector.

The OICCI reiterated its commitment to continued dialogue with the government and relevant stakeholders on policies and measures supporting investment, energy security and sustainable growth.

Separately, the petroleum minister met PSO management at PSO House in Karachi, where discussions focused on national energy security, supply-chain resilience, strategic storage expansion and digital transformation.

The meeting also covered measures to strengthen fuel-supply infrastructure and improve the resilience of the country’s petroleum supply chain.

Ali Pervaiz Malik commended PSO for ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies and appreciated the company’s role in maintaining stability in the country’s petroleum supply chain.

He reaffirmed government support for modernising the petroleum sector and developing infrastructure aimed at strengthening energy security and improving operational efficiency.

The minister also emphasised the importance of expanding strategic storage capacity, enhancing supply-chain resilience and leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency and responsiveness across the petroleum sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026