The The Oil Companies Advisory Council in Pakistan has called for a review of government directives that require the installation of EV chargers as a precondition for approving new retail outlet layouts.
Highlighting commercial and operational challenges faced by oil marketing companies (OMCs) under the government’s New Energy Vehicles (NEV) policy, the OCAC reiterated its support for the government’s long-term vision for cleaner energy, environmental sustainability and the transition towards NEVs.
However, it noted that OMCs, which are expected to implement EV charging infrastructure at retail outlets, were not involved during the policy formulation stage.
In a letter to Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, the council said the NEV policy was initiated primarily by the Ministry of Climate Change, with implementation envisaged at multiple locations, including petroleum retail outlets.
While a special electricity tariff of Rs38.9 per unit has been approved for EV charging stations, clarity regarding customs duties and other fiscal incentives for NEV vehicles remains under consideration and is expected to be finalised in the fiscal year 2026.
OCAC noted that the policy target of achieving 10% NEV charging availability at retail outlets by 2030 does not correspond with current market realities. As of November 2025, around 2,700 to 3,000 electric vehicles were operating nationwide, compared with the projected target of 125,000 vehicles.
The council said installing a single Level-3 charging station requires an estimated capital investment of Rs15 million to Rs20 million, excluding the cost of transformers and cabling, largely due to the need for high-capacity grid connectivity and backup power arrangements.
Currently, about 15 charging stations have been established by OMCs across the country. However, only a few have achieved breakeven, while most continue to operate at a loss due to low utilisation levels.
Full story Oil industry urges review of mandatory EV chargers at petrol stations
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