The Petroleum And Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006

The Petroleum And Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 

An Act to provide for the establishment of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board 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 to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas in all parts of the country and to promote competitive markets and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Functions and Board’s Role in Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

• Protects consumer interests through fair trade and competition.

• Registers entities to market notified petroleum and natural gas.

• Establishes and operates liquefied natural gas terminals and storage facilities.

• Authorised entities to lay, build, operate, or expand a common carrier or contract carrier.

• Regulates access to common carrier or contract carrier, transportation rates, and city or local natural gas distribution network.

• Ensures adequate availability of notified petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas.

• Monitors prices and takes corrective measures to prevent restrictive trade practices.

• Secures equitable distribution for petroleum and products.

• Provides retail and marketing service obligations.

• Monitors transportation rates and takes corrective action to prevent restrictive trade practices.

• Levies fees and other charges as determined by regulations.

• Maintains a data bank of information on petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas activities.

• Lays down technical standards and specifications, including safety standards.

• Performs other functions as entrusted by the Central Government. 

Settlement of Disputes

Dispute Resolution in Petroleum and Natural Gas Disputes

• Disputes between entities or between entities and other persons are decided by a Bench consisting of a Member (Legal) and members nominated by the Chairperson.

• Differences between members are addressed and referred to a member for hearing.

• The Bench exercises jurisdiction, powers, and authority on matters related to refining, processing, storage, transportation, and distribution of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas.

• The Board has the power to decide matters referred to in sub-section (2) on or after the appointed day, despite the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.