By Aamir Lashari
ISLAMABAD: M/s E-Gas has been implicated in unauthorized sale of flare gas in black market, allegedly breaking seals on a well without permission. It has been learnt from the official sources. Sources confirmed that no allocation was made for the “Savi-Raga Well” in Balochistan, and E-Gas lacks the legal status of an exploration company required for such operations. The seals on the well were reportedly broken illegally, posing a direct threat to human lives.
It is alleged that M/s E-Gas risked the lives of security personnel by requesting the protection. Sources indicate a letter was even sent to GHQ by E-Gas, asking for security support for the illegal operation. Notably, Gas exploration rights for this block had previously been awarded to British Petroleum (BP). According to OGRA sources, BP sealed the well after exploration efforts failed to yield positive results. Despite this, E-Gas resumed activity without authorization. Curiously, no legal action has been initiated against the company by either the Ministry of Petroleum or OGRA.
The public hearing for E-Gas’s license renewal raised further questions. OGRA reportedly overlooked allegations of expired documents, financial defaults, and past blacklisting of E-Gas. Though OGRA had fined E-Gas over 19 million rupees for the illegal sale of flare gas to CNG stations, the fine remains unpaid till the date of public hearing.
The recent license renewal decision has raised eyebrows, as objections raised during the public hearing were dismissed, allowing E-Gas’s license renewal in July. This decision, made despite prior inquiries and fines, has sparked criticism over potential regulatory leniency.
Dateline contacted the directors of M/s E-Gas for a statement on these allegations, but no response was provided. Dateline remains open to publishing the company’s response if offered.
