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IHC Demands Report on Seven-Year Moratorium Affecting New OMCs

October 1, 2026 • 2 hours ago •

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested a detailed report from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) regarding the ongoing moratorium on the establishment of new oil marketing companies (OMCs), initially imposed in 2019. This interim measure has reportedly been in effect for nearly seven years, raising questions about its legitimacy and impact on the industry.

During a hearing of a petition filed by Fuelex Petroleum Pvt Ltd, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to relevant parties. The company is contesting Ogra’s refusal to process its application for an OMC licence, which was denied in a letter dated April 14, 2026, citing the federal government’s moratorium as the reason for rejection.

Fuelex Petroleum argues that Ogra should have evaluated its application based on the criteria set forth in the Pakistan Oil Rules, 2016, rather than dismissing it solely due to the moratorium. The petition also challenges a directive from January 9, 2019, which instructed Ogra to halt acceptance of new applications from local investors until updated criteria for OMC establishment were established.

The implications of this prolonged moratorium are significant, potentially stifling competition and innovation in Pakistan’s oil marketing sector. As the court seeks clarity on the matter, stakeholders await further developments that could reshape the regulatory landscape for OMCs in the country.