Powers of OGRA member gas restored

Member can grant LPG and CNG transportation and marketing licence.

ISLAMABAD:

The Cabinet Division has directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman to restore powers of member gas in the light of advice from the law ministry.

Earlier, the Ogra chairman delegated powers of its member gas to member finance, which gave birth to a lot of controversies.

The Cabinet Division had sought advice of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs as to whether Ogra could delegate powers of granting licences for transportation, filling or marketing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), envisaged in section 10(2) of Ogra Ordinance 2002, to a member who had no relevant experience and qualification.

Documents available with The Express Tribune reveal that the Cabinet Division in a letter sent to the Ogra chairman on April 28 said the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Division was of the view that Ogra was not empowered to delegate powers and functions to a member who did not have experience and qualification in the relevant field.

The Cabinet Division said such powers needed to be delegated reasonably, fairly, justly and for the advancement of the provision of enactment of Section 3(6) of Ogra Ordinance 2002.

“Ogra is requested to restore powers of member (gas) as already decided in the meeting held on October 13, 2010. It will also be appreciated if a compliance report is furnished,” the Cabinet Division said in the letter.

In its advice, the Law Division said that member gas was the only one who had relevant experience and met conditions, so powers and functions relating to the gas sector needed to be delegated to him.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2011.