Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has begun a digital overhaul of supply chain management across the energy sector, in a move designed to tighten procurement controls, improve contract oversight and lift spending efficiency in an industry handling more than RO4 billion, or about $10.4 billion, in annual supply agreements.
According to reports from Times of Oman and Trade Arabia, the programme was introduced at the ministry’s first meeting under the chairmanship of Mohs...
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en Hamad Al Hadrami, undersecretary at the ministry. Petroleum Development Oman, the country’s largest oil and gas operator, will initially lead the project before it is widened to other energy companies and linked with relevant government systems.
The scale of the sector helps explain the push. The supply network currently serves more than 6,000 suppliers and contracting firms and issues in excess of 600 tenders a year, creating what officials see as a strong case for greater digital integration. The platform is intended to provide a clearer view of procurement activity from end to end, while improving governance, risk management and the use of data in decision-making.
Artificial intelligence will also be built into the system to turn operational information into practical insights, with the aim of speeding up processes and improving performance. At the same time, the ministry plans to introduce digital tools that can track local content more accurately, giving a clearer picture of Omani participation in projects and contracts and opening more space for national businesses.
The initiative also points towards a broader marketplace for energy-sector products and services, where suppliers would be able to present their capabilities in a more transparent and competitive setting. Officials say that could support business growth, deepen the role of Omani firms in investment and operational work, and build domestic technical capability through local involvement in digital solutions, analytics, training and support services.
The programme fits within Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to strengthen competitiveness, improve the business environment and expand the use of digital technology across key sectors. It will be rolled out in stages, with the ministry saying further details will follow as implementation advances.
Source: Noah Wire Services
