LHC seeks report from OGRA on tackling substandard oil tankers

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday has sought recommendations from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) for tackling substandard oil tankers without affecting the countrywide fuel supply.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing a case with regard to Ahmedpur Sharqia inferno that claimed over 200 lives on June 25 this year, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr.

During the court proceeding, the regulatory body apprised the court that only 1,500 oil tankers were up to the mark while rest of 9,500 tankers did not meet the quality standards.

Joining in arguments, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Motorway Police Mirza Farhan told the court that three oil tankers’ overturning incidents have taken place within a month after Ahmedpur Sharqia tragedy.

He said the oil tankers’ association went on strike after penalties imposed on the oil tankers carrying more fuel than the actual capacity.

The OGRA informed the court that the compensation funds to heirs of injured and victims of Ahmedpur Sharqia incident have been disbursed. The regulatory body’s lawyer also confirmed payment of penalty amount by the oil marketing company.

However, in a response the regulatory body said that information pertaining to manufacturing of the oil tanker that exploded on July 25 in Ahmedpur Sharqia could not be ascertained.

According to OGRA, the oil tanker owners compromise on quality to reduce the cost by using thin sheet of metal for tankers’ manufacturing as it costs Rs15 million to manufacture a tanker as per the quality standard.

The body further told the court that the association of oil tankers called for an unwarranted strike over strict action against oil tankers with regard to safety measures.

Hearing the arguments, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah summoned detailed recommendations from OGRA over the issue without disrupting the countrywide fuel supply.