The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was constituted under The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (NO. 19 OF 2006) notified via Gazette Notification dated 31st March, 2006.
The Act provide for the establishment of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to promote competitive markets and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Further as enshrined in the act, the Board has also been mandated to regulate the refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing and sale of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas excluding production of crude oil and natural gas so as and to ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas in all parts of the country.
The Board has its seat in Delhi.
The Board consists of 1 Chairperson, 3 members, 1 Member(Legal).
The proceedings of the Board shall be conducted in English or Hindi. As per Regulation 6 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Conduct of Business, Receiving and Investigation of Complaints) Regulations, 2007. Any letters, communications addressed to the Board can be in both English and Hindi.
Unless otherwise directed, the head office and region at offices of the Board’s hall be open daily except on Saturdays, Sundays and Central Government holidays notified by the Central Government. The office timings shall be from 9.00 AM to 5.30 PM. The above is as per Regulation 3 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Conduct of Business, Receiving and Investigation of Complaints) Regulations, 2007.
Yes, decisions of the Board are binding on parties of dispute. The Board’s orders are enforceable as the powers vested are the same as in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
The Board has powers to review its own decisions under Section 13 by way of a Review petition. The decision can be challenged by way of an appeal in the Appellate Tribunal.
The Board’s proceedings can be attended in person by the entities or consumers or through their pleaders only according to Regulation 12 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Conduct of Business, Receiving and Investigation of Complaints) Regulations, 2007
After hearing of the cases by the Board, a formal order is passed which is uploaded on the website under “Order” tab. A certified copy of which is provided to the complainant/petitioner on payment of requisite fees.