ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) has established a POL Monitoring Cell to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country following the imposition of the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess on petroleum imports.
According to an official memorandum issued on Monday, the decision has been taken with the approval of the Secretary Petroleum Division to closely monitor the demand and supply of petroleum products (POL) after oil marketing companies (OMCs) were directed to provide bank guarantees against the Sindh government’s cess condition.
The newly constituted monitoring cell will comprise the Director (L&M) of the Directorate General Oil as convener, and representatives from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), and Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) as members.
The cell has been tasked with round-the-clock monitoring of POL demand and supply, and to submit reports at 12-hour intervals for the perusal of the Secretary Petroleum. It may also include additional members if required.
The memorandum further directs OGRA, OCAC, and OMAP to nominate their representatives for the cell, along with their contact details and email addresses.
The move has come amid industry concerns that the re-imposition of the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess on petroleum imports could disrupt fuel supply chains and increase consumer prices.Â
