GO Urges Prime Minister to Assess Ogra Chairperson’s Leadership Amid Oil Sector Concerns

Gas and Oil Pakistan Limited (GO), backed by a 40% stake from Saudi Aramco, has issued a urgent appeal to the Prime Minister to scrutinize the performance of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairperson Masroor Khan, citing ineffective leadership and mismanagement in Pakistan’s oil sector, according to The News.

In a pointed letter to the Prime Minister, GO voiced deep concerns over Khan’s leadership, despite his extensive energy sector experience. The company argued that under Khan’s tenure, the oil and gas industry has faced mounting instability, with minimal progress on critical issues despite numerous discussions. GO stressed the need for decisive leadership to address the sector’s pressing challenges.

The letter warned that the sector’s current path risks severe economic consequences, threatening national stability. GO urged the Prime Minister to act swiftly, either by reassessing Khan’s leadership or implementing sweeping reforms to revitalize the industry. Recent reports also highlight controversy around Khan’s tenure, as his one-year contract extension effective February 23, 2025, appears to violate the Ogra Act, which lacks provisions for such extensions.

An Ogra spokesperson countered, defending Khan’s leadership and asserting that the authority operates efficiently within its regulatory mandate. The spokesperson emphasized transparency and stakeholder engagement, claiming Ogra actively addresses industry concerns.

Industry insiders noted that the importation of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has emerged as a major issue, straining domestic refining operations. GO’s letter demanded stronger regulatory oversight to stabilize the sector, attract investment, and foster long-term growth, aligning with broader economic goals.