ISLAMABAD: A controversy has emerged over the proposed sale of 35 percent of gas from the Spinwam Gas Field by Mari Energies, after a formal complaint was submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other relevant authorities alleging violations of regulatory requirements.
The complaint, filed by the Organisation for Advancement & Safeguard of Industrial Sector (OASIS), contends that the bidding process is inconsistent with a decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), which permits exploration and production (E&P) companies to sell up to 35 percent of their gas share to third parties through a competitive process, provided the buyers hold valid licences issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
According to OASIS, Mari Energies’ advertisement for the gas sale does not explicitly require bidders to possess an OGRA licence. Instead, the notice reportedly allows participation by entities registered with tax authorities and included on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL), which the complainant argues effectively substitutes the statutory licensing requirement with ordinary tax registration.
The organisation maintains that permitting unlicensed entities to participate in the bidding process would be contrary to OGRA regulations and could weaken regulatory oversight in the gas sector. It further warns that such a move may create commercial rights for ineligible parties, distort competition for existing licence holders, and expose the industry to potential safety, technical, and financial risks.
The complaint has also been forwarded to the Chief of Army Staff, the Federal Minister for Petroleum, the Chairman of OGRA, and other relevant stakeholders. OASIS has requested that the advertisement be declared unlawful, the bidding process be suspended immediately, and revised tender documents be issued restricting participation exclusively to holders of valid OGRA licences.
The organisation has also urged OGRA to ensure strict enforcement of licensing requirements in all future third-party gas sale transactions. OASIS stated that, if corrective measures are not taken, it may seek legal remedy under Article 199 of the Constitution by approaching the relevant court to challenge the bidding process.
Story by Kalbe Ali
