PM Orders FBR-Style Fuel Tracking System to Curb Hoarding

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to develop a nationwide digital fuel movement monitoring system on the lines of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) tracking mechanism.

This move is a part of a broader overhaul of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) aimed at curbing fuel hoarding and improving regulatory oversight.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Ogra reforms, the prime minister instructed officials to deploy advanced technology to digitally monitor the petroleum supply chain from ports and refineries to petrol pumps. He also called for Ogra's institutional restructuring, directing that qualified private-sector experts be appointed through a transparent, merit-based process to strengthen the regulator's capacity.

The prime minister also ordered faster implementation of the government's refinery upgradation policy and directed regulatory bodies to establish stronger coordination with their respective ministries.

During the meeting, Ogra briefed the prime minister on progress made in digitising the petroleum supply chain. Officials said several systems have already been introduced, including the National Monitoring Dashboard, Tanker Track and Trace System, Depot Tank Telemetry, Rahguzar Mobile App, Digital Sales Entry System, and a Central Monitoring Cell.

According to the briefing, a data-driven enforcement campaign carried out in July 2026 detected multiple cases of fuel hoarding, unnecessary supply disruptions and other regulatory violations, leading to show-cause notices and legal proceedings against the entities involved.

Ogra also outlined its broader reform programme, which includes digitalisation of regulatory functions, creation of a dedicated compliance wing, reforms to the licensing framework, improvements in legal and financial management, and wider institutional restructuring.

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