OGDC uncovers oil theft network, illegal refinery in Sindh

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has uncovered a large-scale crude oil theft operation and an illegal refinery in Sindh’s Tando Allahyar district, the company said, adding it has sought strict legal action against those involved.

The theft involved illegal tapping of the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep (KPD)-TAY oil field pipeline near Tando Jam, close to the Machhi Hotel police check post. The stolen crude was transported to an illegal refinery, where it was processed and sold in the local market.

Raid recovers crude, equipment

OGDC said it launched a coordinated investigation in January in collaboration with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to trace the network.

After weeks of surveillance and technical tracking, authorities identified tapping points along the pipeline and located the illegal refining facility.

A raid was carried out in the Siri area of New Hyderabad City involving eight police vehicles, five OGDC vehicles and support from an intelligence agency. During the operation, officials recovered refining equipment and a large quantity of stolen crude oil.

Case registered against suspects

Tando Jam police registered a case against the alleged gang leader, Wazir Daudani, along with associates Ghani Daudani, Badshah Nizamani, Mabaan Nizamani and six others, according to a copy of the first information report.

The FIR was lodged on the complaint of an OGDC security supervisor at the Pasakhi Oil Field. Police also seized three Suzuki vehicles and a Mazda truck carrying stolen crude oil.

OGDC has called for strict action against those involved, including proceedings under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing the scale of the operation and its threat to critical national infrastructure.

The company said its actions helped prevent significant financial losses to the national exchequer at a time of rising energy costs linked to regional tensions.