ISLAMABAD: Stakeholders have raised serious concerns over the bidding process initiated for the sale of 35 percent gas from the Spinwam Gas Field, questioning its compliance with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision and the Petroleum Division’s SRO 11(I)/2025.
According to sources, the matter has been taken up with the Petroleum Ministry and other relevant authorities, with allegations that the bidding framework does not fully align with regulatory requirements set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
A formal complaint has also been submitted to senior government officials, stating that the tender documents do not explicitly require participants to hold a valid OGRA licence—an essential condition under the CCI-approved framework for third-party gas sales.
Under the established policy, exploration and production companies are permitted to sell up to 35 percent of their gas share to third parties through a competitive process, but only to entities possessing valid OGRA licences. However, the current tender reportedly allows participation by companies registered with tax authorities, without clearly mandating the licensing requirement.
Sources said that any deviation from the approved regulatory structure could weaken the existing oversight mechanism and expose the process to legal and procedural challenges. It may also be inconsistent with the applicable policy framework governing third-party gas transactions.
The issue has been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister, the Energy Ministry, OGRA, and other relevant institutions, with calls for an immediate review of the bidding conditions.
Concerns have also emerged among licensed industry participants, who argue that the current tender structure could disadvantage compliant companies holding OGRA licences. They warn that if the issue is not addressed, affected parties may approach the courts seeking cancellation of the bidding process.
With the deadline for bid submission set for June 15, 2026, stakeholders have urged authorities to withdraw the existing notice and issue a revised tender in line with CCI-approved regulations to ensure transparency, fairness, and regulatory compliance.
