The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will use artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to monitor Pakistan’s petroleum supply chain under a new initiative being developed with Alibaba Group.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the regulator to introduce the system as part of the government’s broader efforts to digitize public services and improve economic management.
The decision was discussed at a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, where officials reviewed progress on AI and digitalization projects being pursued in partnership with Alibaba.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, OGRA is being equipped with AI and business intelligence tools to analyse petroleum supply chain data.
The government has not announced a launch date or provided technical details about the system. The initiative is expected to help the regulator monitor the movement of petroleum products from ports and refineries to fuel stations.
The prime minister directed the relevant ministries to complete the required measures for projects under the Alibaba partnership by November and submit a progress report. He also called for clear targets, deadlines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the projects produce measurable results.
OGRA Already Uses Digital Monitoring Systems
The new initiative will build on OGRA’s existing digital infrastructure for monitoring fuel stocks, transportation and sales.
In July 2026, the regulator briefed the prime minister on several systems already in operation, including a National Monitoring Dashboard, a tanker tracking system, depot tank telemetry, the Rahguzar mobile application, digital sales reporting at petrol pumps and a Central Monitoring Cell.
OGRA also reported that data-driven enforcement in July had uncovered cases of alleged hoarding and unnecessary disruptions in fuel supplies. The findings led to show-cause notices and legal proceedings.
The regulator had previously introduced a nationwide tracking system to digitize the movement of petroleum products across the country.
More AI Projects Planned With Alibaba
The petroleum monitoring initiative is part of a wider government partnership with Alibaba Group covering several sectors.
Other projects include an AI-assisted cancer diagnosis system and a 15-day AI training program for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology’s Ignite program.
Officials also reviewed work on AI-based agricultural models, a tobacco tracking system and digital platforms aimed at supporting exports of citrus fruits and olives.
Digitalization projects covering higher education, railways, postal services and urban management are also nearing completion, according to the meeting.
The prime minister said artificial intelligence and digitalization would play a central role in Pakistan’s development. Earlier this month, Pakistan also sought World Bank financing for a national AI program.
