Ogra Proposes imprisonment up to 10 Years for Illegal Oil Storage and Sale

By Omed Hajjana

Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has proposed the federal government with rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years or Rs 10 million fine to oil marketing companies/ private parties over illegal Oil Storage and Sale.

which commits unauthorized storage and handing of petroleum for the purpose of sale resale, transport or distribute to any consumer.

The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2023 moved by OGRA has already been vetted by Law Ministry and moved to Cabinet Division for approval. Addition of sections 285-A, 285-B and 285-C in the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 has been proposed.

With the passage of time, OGRA argued that unauthorized storage and handling of petroleum and explosive substance, equipment, causing injury or death to human life and damage property become terrible act of whole society especially for innocent public.Pakistan Receives First Russian Oil Shipment

Article 9 of the Constitution 1973 states that no person shall deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law.
Article 24 of the Constitution state, “No person shall be deprived of his property save in accordance with law”.

The punishment in sections 285, 286 & 287 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860 related to explosive substance, fire or combustible matter etc and machinery which were causing injury or death to human life and damage to the property are nominal. Further, these provisions do not cater for illegal sale, distribution, manufacturing, storage and handling of petroleum products. This situation is causing danger to the human life and property. In order to safeguard the human life and property from unauthorized handling of petroleum and explosives and unauthorized manufacturing of machinery and equipment, insertion of Section-A 285-B, and 285-C have been proposed.