Established in 2002 by the Federal Government, OGRA’s mission is to foster competition, encourage private investment, and safeguard the public interest while respecting individual rights through effective regulations. With a dedicated panel of experts and a broad mandate that extends to the natural gas sector, OGRA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s energy industry.
In this blog, Graana.com will delve into the functions and significance of OGRA, shedding light on how it influences and regulates the oil and gas sector in Pakistan.
The Historical Journey of OGRA
The establishment of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) in Pakistan represents a pivotal moment in the country’s energy sector. Conceived by the Federal Government on March 28, 2002, OGRA came into existence through the enactment of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002.
This legislative development formalised a comprehensive regulatory framework tailored to address the nuances of the oil and gas industry, while concurrently ensuring the protection of public interests and the promotion of private investment.
OGRA’s overarching mission, as outlined in its founding legislation, centres on the cultivation of competition, the facilitation of private investment and ownership within the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, and the delicate balancing of public interests and individual rights.
At its nucleus, OGRA is composed of a distinguished panel, including a Chairman or Chairperson and three Members, each bringing their specialised expertise to the forefront. These positions encompass Member (Gas), Member (Finance), and Member (Oil), and they collectively offer a wealth of experience that underscores OGRA’s regulatory proficiency. A noteworthy facet of OGRA’s structural framework is the term limitations imposed on its members.
Also, they are eligible to serve a maximum of two terms, with retirement mandated upon reaching the age of 65. This provision ensures a consistent infusion of fresh insights and proficiency within the regulatory authority.
A seminal juncture in OGRA’s historical trajectory was the amalgamation of the Natural Gas Regulatory Authority (NGRA) into its ambit. This strategic move expanded OGRA’s purview and responsibilities, particularly concerning the natural gas sector.
Contact Information
| Location | OGRA Address | Contact Information |
| Head Office, Islamabad | 54-B, Fazal-e-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad | PABX – 051-9244090-98 |
| Fax(s): 051-9244310 | ||
| Lahore Regional Office | 27-Civic Centre, Barkat Market, New Garden Town, Lahore | Joint Executive Director (Complaints) – Mr. Muhammad Raza |
| Email: mraza@ogra.org.pk | ||
| Tel: 042-99332865 | ||
| Fax: 042-99332869 | ||
| Karachi Regional Office | House No. 2, Dattari Villas Bath Island, Karachi | Executive Director (Technical/Complaints) – Mr. Muhammad Iltaf |
| Email: miltaf@ogra.org.pk | ||
| Tel: 021-99332756 | ||
| Executive Director (Technical) – Mr. Ghulam e Shaheen | ||
| Email: gmshaheen@ogra.org.pk | ||
| Tel: 021-99332756 | ||
| Joint Executive Director (Complaints) – Mr. Khalil Ahmad Sheikh | ||
| Email: ksheikh@ogra.org.pk | ||
| Tel: 021-99332756 | ||
| Fax: 021-99332364 |
Departments in OGRA
Here is a list of departments in OGRA:
- Administration
- Human Resource
- Audit
- Legal & Litigation
- Building Project
- LPG
- Consumer Affairs
- LNG
- CNG
- Oil
- Corporate & Media Affairs
- Planning & Coordination/IT
- Finance & Accounts
- Registrar Office
- Gas
- Secretariat
Responsibilities and Functions
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is entrusted with specific powers and duties as outlined in Section 6 of the Ordinance. Notably, OGRA exclusively grants licences for regulated activities across sectors including:
- Natural Gas
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Oil
These activities encompass various operations, such as pipeline construction, development of transmission and distribution networks, the sale and storage of Natural Gas, CNG, LPG, LNG installation, production, storage, transportation, and marketing. OGRA also oversees refineries, storage facilities, lube oil blending plants, and petroleum product marketing within the oil sector.
Additionally, OGRA is responsible for determining revenue requirements and establishing prescribed prices for natural gas utilities, alongside notifying consumer prices. It also calculates and notifies ex-refinery prices for Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) and ex-depot prices for SKO and E-10, while supervising the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) for all products.
Furthermore, OGRA actively monitors petroleum product pricing in a deregulated market, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and promoting transparency.
Another vital function is the enforcement of technical standards and specifications across regulated activities, aligning with international best practices to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
In addition to its regulatory and pricing roles, OGRA acts as a neutral dispute resolution mechanism, impartially addressing grievances from both consumers and industry stakeholders.
To summarise, OGRA’s responsibilities and functions encompass licensing, pricing regulation, enforcement of technical standards, and dispute resolution, all aimed at ensuring an efficient and equitable energy sector in Pakistan.
Timings
| Activity | Timing |
| Working Days | 5 Days (Monday to Friday) |
| Working Hours | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Lunch and Namaz Break Time | 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm |
| Jumma Namaz Break Time | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about OGRA
Following are a few of the FAQs regarding OGRA:
What is OGRA, and what does it stand for?
OGRA stands for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. It is a regulatory body in Pakistan responsible for overseeing the oil and gas industry, ensuring its smooth operation, and safeguarding the interests of both consumers and industry stakeholders.
When was OGRA established?
This was established on March 28, 2002, by the Federal Government of Pakistan under the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002.
What are its primary objectives?
OGRA’s core objectives are to foster competition, encourage private investment, and maintain effective and efficient regulations within the midstream and downstream petroleum industry. It also strives to protect the public interest while respecting individual rights.
What sectors does OGRA regulate?
It regulates a wide range of sectors, including Natural Gas, CNG, LPG, LNG, and the Oil sector.
What are the key responsibilities of OGRA?
The institute is responsible for granting licences for regulated activities, determining revenue requirements, setting prescribed prices, monitoring petroleum product pricing in a deregulated market, and enforcing technical standards and specifications.
What are OGRA’s working days and hours?
It operates from Monday to Friday, with working hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a lunch and Namaz break from 1:00 to 1:45 pm, and Jumma break from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
Is OGRA involved in resolving disputes between consumers and industry players?
Yes, it acts as a dispute resolution mechanism and addresses complaints and disputes impartially. This ensures a fair and balanced regulatory environment.
What impact has OGRA had on Pakistan’s energy sector over the years?
It has played a pivotal role in shaping the energy sector by promoting competition, private investment, and regulatory efficiency. It has contributed to a more transparent and competitive energy market in Pakistan.
Where can I find more information about OGRA’s activities and regulations?
You can visit the official website, where you will find detailed information, and updates on the energy sector in Pakistan.
In summary, OGRA stands as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s energy regulation. Established in 2002, it has tirelessly upheld competition, encouraged investment, and maintained effective regulations. With a commitment to public interest and dispute resolution, OGRA has steered Pakistan’s energy sector towards transparency and competitiveness. As we look ahead, its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future for the nation cannot be understated.
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