The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has formally launched the second phase of its national initiative to digitise Pakistan’s oil supply chain, furthering its efforts toward digital transformation and regulatory modernization. This phase introduces a track and trace system developed in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), aimed at enhancing operational transparency, regulatory efficiency, and safety across the downstream oil sector.
Building on the groundwork laid by Ogra’s online licensing system and the earlier deployment of digital tools, this new phase expands oversight to the full lifecycle of petroleum logistics. The Raahguzar mobile application—launched in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue and the Oil Companies Advisory Council—had previously enabled consumers to locate licensed fuel stations using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. With the launch of this second phase, Ogra is shifting focus from consumer access to the back-end supply chain, bringing real-time tracking and automation into the petroleum movement process.
The track and trace system will digitise the complete journey of petroleum products from their origin points at refineries and import terminals to storage depots, distribution via tank-lorries, and finally retail delivery at fuel stations. The system integrates Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, GPS tracking technology, and centralized dashboards, offering a robust monitoring framework. These tools will support timely enforcement, deter practices such as illegal decanting and fuel smuggling, and improve the integrity of the fuel supply chain.
At present, over 29 oil marketing companies are operating with ERP infrastructure, and an estimated 15,000 tank-lorries in the country are equipped with GPS tracking devices. These advancements provide the technological foundation necessary for a successful nationwide implementation. The inclusion of digital tools at every stage of the logistics process not only improves response times and traceability but also aligns regulatory mechanisms with global best practices.
Masroor Khan, Chairman Ogra, commented on the launch by stating that the initiative marks a significant shift in the sector’s operational landscape. He highlighted that this phase reflects the authority’s commitment to improved governance and public safety through the application of digital technologies. He further emphasized that building public confidence and securing national fuel supply chains are key priorities for Ogra as it continues to evolve as a modern regulator.
The rollout of the track and trace system underscores Ogra’s commitment to embedding technology into critical infrastructure sectors. Through sustained collaboration with stakeholders like PITB and other public agencies, Ogra aims to foster a digitally secure and transparent energy ecosystem in Pakistan, ensuring better service delivery and more efficient oversight in the country’s petroleum supply chain.
