NAB investigating Ogra over RLNG prices

Seeks replies to 18 queries over alleged embezzlement of Rs20b by May 30

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated inquiry in the manipulation of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) prices with Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairperson Uzma Adil and officers among those suspected of wrongdoing.

According to reports, the NAB Rawalpindi has written a letter to the Ogra seeking responses to 18 queries including the record of price revisions along with its response on the alleged scam of Rs20 billion.
According to the documents available with Express News, the NAB in its questionnaire sent to the Ogra has inquired about the steps taken by the oil and gas regulator to reduce the theft of gas as well as the percentage of unaccounted for gas (UFG) in the international market.

It also questioned as to how the UFG benchmark was increased from 4.5 per cent to 7.1 per cent from financial years 2012-13 to 2015-16 against the Lahore High Court’s order.

Furthermore, the anti-graft body has sought details and records pertaining to the transfer of gas theft and losses since 2013 amounting to billions to the public as well as the detail of the verdicts of the high courts of Sindh and Lahore in the case.

Another query pertains to whether the Ogra chairperson was receiving pension from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), from where she retired prior to her appointment as Ogra chief. The bureau has also inquired about the account in which Uzma Adil receives her pension from SNGPL.

It has also summoned the record of the appointment of the executive media director.

Furthermore, the NAB has sought details of the process used for the determination of LNG prices as well as similar records from six countries including the US.

It has also sought a written response on RLNG prices, gas theft and losses. It has asked Ogra to explain whether the 2011 policy was being used for calculating RLNG price. It also inquires if other factors were included in the calculation, and who approved it and what was the basis for the inclusion.

In total, the NAB Rawalpindi has summoned replies to 18 questions from Ogra by May 30 along with the relevant records.
Furthermore, sources say the anti-corruption watchdog has extended the scope of investigation against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others in the LNG scandal.