ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its energy security by forming a high-level committee to develop and operationalise Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), aimed at reducing exposure to global oil price volatility and potential supply disruptions.
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the committee has been tasked with submitting its recommendations and implementation roadmap by May 8, 2026.
The decision follows a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Petroleum and establishes a broad-based framework bringing together senior government officials, security institutions, regulators, state-owned enterprises, and private sector stakeholders to design a coordinated national fuel storage strategy.
The committee will be headed by the Special Secretary, Petroleum Division, and includes representation from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, the Pakistan State Oil, the Inter State Gas Systems, and the Joint Staff Headquarters, along with input from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. Private sector participation, including entities such as HUBCO and refinery operators, may also be included.
The committee’s mandate includes developing detailed proposals for operationalising strategic reserves, mapping existing storage infrastructure nationwide, and assessing requirements for expanding capacity in line with long-term energy security goals. It will also evaluate financing models and investment options for scaling up reserves.
The initiative draws on earlier technical studies, including reports by international consultants and PIDE, which have highlighted gaps in Pakistan’s fuel storage capacity and the need for structured emergency stockpiles.
Officials said the move is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s resilience against global oil market volatility, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting international energy supply chains.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
