Islamabad: It has been reported that fifty-percent of fuel tankers do not comply with the stipulated safety guidelines, said Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority on Thursday.
A formal announcement had been made on Wednesday by All Oil Tankers Owners Association (APOTOA) of ending its strike after successful talks with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
Imran Ghaznavi, spokesman OGRA said that OCAC had reported back to the regulator that 45-50pc of its fuel tankers did not meet the stipulated safety guidelines and requirements. He added, a third-party audit will be carried out to authenticate these numbers.
He mentioned that the regulator will be working in tandem with APOTOA to enforce these safety standards and a timeline for it will be reached between the two sides. He said according to APOTOA it will cost Rs1m to meet these required specifications.
Both sides reached to an agreement, where OGRA showed willingness to resolve all matters within 15 days. A committee has been constituted for this purpose and the supply was expected to be reinstated within 10 to 12 hours, APOTOA representatives said.
Earlier this month, Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), a consortium of various oil marketing companies and refineries had sought one to two years for meeting the regulatory standards for its fleet of oil tanker vehicles.
OCAC had drawn up a strategy to improve their existing system of oil transportation which will ensure safe delivery of the commodity. Initially OCAC said initially the plan will be instituted to improve the management of drivers and vehicles. And close coordination will be ensured with provincial and federal government departments for emergency purposes, which will help in event of any incidents occurring.
