ISLAMABAD, July 19: Pakistan State Oil (PSO), working with law enforcement agencies, has disrupted an organised fuel theft operation targeting the Sihala–ARL pipeline and recovered around 2,000 litres of high-speed diesel, the company said.

Contents

Diesel, vehicles and tapping equipment recovered Pipeline security under scrutiny

The suspects were detained during a joint operation on Kahuta Road in the early hours of July 16 after PSO detected a sudden pressure drop in the pipeline and alerted security agencies.

According to PSO, the pressure loss was recorded at around 11:45pm on July 15. The company said the suspected location was already under surveillance following earlier intelligence about possible illegal activity.

Security teams moved to the site and apprehended the suspects at approximately 2:15am while they were allegedly extracting petroleum product through an illegal pipeline connection.

Diesel, vehicles and tapping equipment recovered

Authorities seized two Shahzore or Hyundai trucks allegedly being used to transport the stolen fuel.

Around 800 litres of high-speed diesel were recovered from the vehicles, while approximately 1,000 litres were found in storage tanks. A further 200 litres were recovered from drums and smaller containers, according to the company.

Equipment allegedly used to tap the pipeline was also confiscated during the operation.

PSO said the suspects, vehicles, recovered fuel and equipment had been handed over to Sihala Police for investigation and further legal proceedings.

Pipeline security under scrutiny

Fuel theft from pipelines can cause financial losses, supply disruptions and serious safety risks, particularly when illegal connections damage energy infrastructure.

PSO said the operation was made possible through real-time pipeline monitoring, prior intelligence and the prompt response of law enforcement personnel.

The company added that it would continue coordinating with security agencies to protect fuel transportation networks and identify organised groups involved in theft from critical energy infrastructure.

Also Read: OGDC Confirms Pakistan’s First Lithium Discovery in Geothermal Brines During Well Testing