Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed measures with Pakistan State Oil to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic fuel security, with discussions covering international procurement, diversification of supply sources, expansion of strategic reserves and modernisation of the company’s retail operations. The review took place during the minister’s visit to PSO’s head office, where senior government officials and the company’s executive management discussed the challenges affecting the country’s energy supply chain.
Ali Pervaiz Malik was accompanied by Petroleum Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh and Additional Secretary (Policy) Zafar Abbas during the visit. PSO Chief Executive Officer Jawwad Ahmed Cheema and members of the company’s executive management received the delegation and briefed the officials on the company’s operations, financial performance and plans for strengthening its role in Pakistan’s energy sector.
The discussions focused on the changing conditions in international fuel markets, including volatile global fuel prices and disruptions affecting important maritime corridors. These developments can create risks for countries dependent on international energy supplies, making reliable procurement and diversified supply arrangements important for maintaining domestic fuel availability. Against this backdrop, the government and PSO reviewed measures aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s ability to maintain a stable fuel supply.
The petroleum minister assured PSO of the government’s support in maintaining a balanced energy ecosystem that remains focused on consumer interests and economic stability. He also reviewed PSO’s ongoing work related to energy security and retail modernisation, while appreciating the company’s efforts to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply chain across the country despite challenges arising from geopolitical developments.
A key area discussed during the meeting was the expansion of storage infrastructure and strategic reserves. Increasing storage capacity can provide additional flexibility in managing changes in international supply conditions and help maintain fuel availability during periods of market disruption. The government is therefore seeking coordinated efforts to strengthen the country’s fuel storage capabilities as part of a broader approach to energy security.
Ali Pervaiz Malik also reaffirmed the government’s focus on accelerating digitisation and automation across the energy supply chain. Greater use of digital systems and automated processes is expected to support operational efficiency while helping modernise different parts of the petroleum sector. Retail modernisation was also reviewed as part of efforts to improve the overall customer experience and strengthen the infrastructure supporting fuel distribution.
Supply chain resilience was another central issue discussed during the meeting. The minister called for stronger coordination among stakeholders across the petroleum and energy industry to develop a more modern and resilient energy sector. Such coordination is particularly important as international supply conditions remain subject to changes in prices, transportation routes and broader geopolitical developments.
During the meeting, Jawwad Ahmed Cheema briefed the petroleum minister on PSO’s financial performance, recent operational milestones and future plans. The briefing provided an overview of the company’s current position and its planned efforts to strengthen its operations while continuing to support Pakistan’s fuel requirements.
PSO, as Pakistan’s national oil marketing company, plays an important role in maintaining the country’s fuel distribution network. The company said it remains committed to improving industry standards and ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supplies in support of Pakistan’s economic growth.
The government’s engagement with PSO comes as Pakistan continues to focus on strengthening energy supply security and reducing vulnerabilities arising from international market and transportation disruptions. The measures discussed during the meeting, including proactive international procurement, supply diversification, storage expansion, digitisation, automation and retail modernisation, form part of the broader effort to build a more resilient domestic fuel supply system.
The review also underlines the importance of maintaining uninterrupted fuel availability while improving the infrastructure and systems through which petroleum products are procured, stored and distributed. Continued coordination between the government, PSO and other industry stakeholders is expected to remain important as Pakistan works to strengthen its energy sector and protect consumers and economic activity from external supply pressures.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.