OGRA in collaboration with FBR and the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), has launched a groundbreaking mobile application, ‘Raahguzar,’ designed to enhance transparency and improve accountability in Pakistan’s petroleum sector. This new app, which utilizes advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enables users to easily identify legal petrol pumps and outlets across the country.
The ‘Raahguzar’ mobile application is a significant step towards regulating the oil industry in Pakistan. It offers a user-friendly platform that empowers consumers, district governments, and law enforcement agencies to effectively monitor petrol pumps and address concerns related to illegal outlets, commonly referred to as “dabba stations.” These illegal stations often contribute to overcharging and the sale of substandard fuel, making it difficult for consumers to trust the industry. Through the ‘Raahguzar’ app, users can not only locate legal petrol stations but also lodge complaints regarding illegal stations, overcharging practices, and fuel quality concerns, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
The app provides more than just the location of legal outlets; it also displays the current prices for petrol and diesel, allowing consumers to compare prices and report instances of price hikes or discrepancies. The ‘Raahguzar’ app is currently available for download on the Google Play Store, providing easy access to Android users across Pakistan.
The launch of the app marks the first phase of a broader track-and-trace system that aims to address issues within the oil sector, such as preventing economic leakages, curbing illegal practices, and boosting the sector’s overall integrity. During the launch ceremony, Mr. Masroor Khan, Chairman of OGRA, highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to transform the oil industry. “The launch of ‘Raahguzar’ is a game-changer,” Mr. Khan said. “This initiative will promote accountability and transparency in the oil sector and will significantly contribute to its growth and sustainability by curbing illegal activities.”
The event, which was held at OGRA’s head office in Islamabad, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division, FBR, Customs, the Explosives Department, as well as representatives from OCAC and the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP). These stakeholders collectively recognized the potential of the ‘Raahguzar’ app to revolutionize the way the petroleum sector operates in Pakistan by fostering better regulation, ensuring quality standards, and combating illegal fuel stations.
The initiative comes at a critical time when consumers are increasingly concerned about the quality and pricing of fuel. With the ability to report illegal outlets and monitor fuel prices, the app creates a direct channel between the public and the regulatory authorities, allowing the government to take swift action against non-compliant entities. The ‘Raahguzar’ app could also help law enforcement agencies track illegal operations and ensure that only registered and certified petrol stations remain in operation.
For now, the app is available exclusively on the Google Play Store for Android users, making it accessible to a significant portion of the population. The app’s user-centric design allows for easy navigation and seamless reporting, making it a powerful tool for both consumers and authorities. With plans for future updates and potential expansion to other platforms, ‘Raahguzar’ could become a key instrument in improving transparency, boosting consumer confidence, and fostering a safer, more reliable oil market in Pakistan.
As the first phase of the track-and-trace system unfolds, ‘Raahguzar’ represents a crucial move towards modernization and transparency in the oil industry. This initiative, backed by OGRA, FBR, and OCAC, is expected to pave the way for further digital advancements in the country’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that the oil sector is better equipped to serve both consumers and industry stakeholders while combating illegal practices that undermine its integrity.
As the app gains traction, there are high hopes that it will not only benefit consumers and regulators but also encourage more legal and ethical business practices within the petroleum sector, contributing to the overall development of Pakistan’s economy.
