The federal government has removed the acting chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority in the middle of oil supply challenges and pricing controversies.
Dawn reported that Nabeel Ahmed Awan, a BS-22 PAS officer currently serving as secretary, Establishment Division, has been given the additional charge of OGRA chairman with immediate effect for three months or until the appointment of a regular chairperson.
The outgoing acting chief, Shahzad Iqbal, will continue in his existing role as Member Gas. The reshuffle comes after criticism during meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Oil Products Monitoring over slow progress on automation, stock visibility, supply chain integration, and petroleum pricing mechanisms.
Officials had raised concerns that the regulator was unable to adequately explain the supply situation and failed to defend its position on pricing controversies, particularly around diesel price build-up.
The government has been running the regulator on an ad hoc basis for more than a year, after repeatedly delaying the appointment of a permanent chairman.
The move also follows criticism of both OGRA and Pakistan State Oil over slow online integration of retail outlets and depots, amid concerns that hoarding and market manipulation had intensified during the recent surge in fuel prices.
Following the review, the government decided to deploy joint teams comprising the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and PSO at selected petrol pumps in Islamabad to improve stock transparency and compliance. Despite the controversy, officials told the review meeting that the overall petroleum supply position remains stable, with diesel stocks covering around 25 days, crude stocks around 12 days, and petrol supplies sufficient to meet current demand.