OGRA fines oil marketing firms Rs8m

Hoarding of petroleum products, overcharging cited as reasons.

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has imposed fines worth Rs8.05 million on oil marketing companies (OMCs), said a statement issued by the regulatory authority.

The firms have been penalised for reasons such as non-availability or hoarding of petroleum products, and overcharging during inspections last year.

Ogra said it has established a special department for effective enforcement and monitoring to ensure that the companies provide safe, reliable and efficient services to the consumers.

During the drive, Ogra dispatched inspection teams across the country. More than 580 petrol pumps of OMCs were inspected to check smooth sales of petroleum products at notified prices, availability of fuel, and complaints about hoarding by petrol pumps.

Two oil marketing companies were fined for hoarding of petroleum products. Ogra said the penalisation of OMCs has compelled them to instruct their dealers to avoid such malpractices in future.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2011.