The Oil & Gas Development Company’s (OGDCL) Board of Directors in a meeting discussed challenges in the wake of coronavirus outbreak as well as the way forward.
The directors took a detailed briefing on preventive measures implemented in the company and expressed satisfaction on the preventive regime and advised to take all measures necessary for the health, wellbeing and safety of company employees compatible with the evolving situation. To further augment the prevention regime and restrict spread of the contagion, it was decided that OGDCL employees will undergo random testing.
The managing director apprised the board about the status of business operations and steps taken to maintain continuity and sustainability. Various options came under discussion in the wake of plummeting demand for hydrocarbons including necessity and viability of establishing additional storage facilities.
Before the commencement of board meeting, the directors met Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar and discussed overall economic situation of the country in general and outlook of petroleum sector in particular.
Nadeem Babar shared his views about the short and long-term ramifications of the pandemic on commercial entities and possible opportunities going forward. He said the government is committed to mitigate the economic hardship being faced due to the pandemic. He said the federal government is closely monitoring the situation with focus on relief and economic stimulus. He underscored the importance of employees’ wellbeing and advised to follow health advisories.
The SAPM also appreciated OGDCL’s initiative of establishing a quarantine centre in Islamabad and specifically acknowledged the gesture of company employees for donating Rs 53 million to the COVID19 relief fund from their salaries.
