Oil sector demands repair of infrastructure

Cautions upcoming heavy rains may disrupt smooth flow of petroleum products

KARACHI:

The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has written a letter to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), urging the port authority to begin the long-awaited repair and maintenance work on roads and sewerage infrastructure in the Keamari oil installation area (KOIA) to ensure smooth transportation of petroleum products to the upcountry ahead of the anticipated heavy monsoon rains.

OCAC Secretary General Dr Syed Nazir A Zaidi wrote that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted over 100% increase in monsoon rains in Karachi, from June to August 2024.

“If necessary preventive measures pertaining to sewerage and road infrastructure are not undertaken immediately, heavy rains and urban flooding may result in significant damage to infrastructure, resultantly obstructing the smooth operations and impacting the oil supply chain.”

Despite repeated requests via letters, depicting the challenging condition of the area, no effective action had been taken so far, he said.

“Blockage of sewerage lines at KOIA exacerbates the situation by causing water to enter the trenches of terminals, leading to a halt to operations and severe disruptions. Given the impending monsoon season, it is now more urgent to mobilise resources to manage the upcoming torrential rains effectively.”

A large quantity of refined petroleum products is transported daily through tank-lorries from Keamari to the upcountry destinations but the roads have been riddled with craters and potholes for the past few years.

The integrity of the oil installation area is crucial not only for its operations, but also for the safe navigation of tank-lorries as well as the daily commute of the offices’ staff.

Earlier, the Oil Tanker Contractors Association also wrote a letter in that regard dated April 22, 2024.

“Refineries and oil marketing companies, having their terminals in the Keamari Oil Installation Area, have been swift in clearing their dues, however, there has been no progress on the refurbishment of this critical zone,” the letter read.

In the larger interest of safety and operational continuity, the OCAC requested the KPT’s immediate intervention for repair and maintenance of the road infrastructure, clearing the blocked sewerage lines and removing the encroachments made by the illegal roadside workshops.