ISGS to execute refinery policy

The Express Tribune reported that the government has named Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS), a state-owned company, as the implementation entity for the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for Upgradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries, 2023. The change moves significant duties away from OGRA and onto ISGS, although doubts persist about the company's capacity. A letter from the Petroleum Division, issued on August 24, 2026, empowers ISGS to implement the policy for the division.

Insiders in the Petroleum Division said the ministry was reluctant to take on the multibillion-dollar upgrade drive directly, so officials passed the job to ISGS. Others raised doubts over whether the firm has the expertise and institutional depth for its new role, with some suggesting it may be poorly prepared for the work.

Under the arrangement, ISGS will sign upgrade deals, set up Refinery Upgrade Accounts, supervise projects, appoint advisers and auditors, and disburse incentives from those accounts. The policy also allows for a Project Management Unit made up of technical and financial experts. The decision followed a meeting that the petroleum secretary chaired on August 17, according to the letter.