PRL and SSGC face Senate anger over missing information, accountability questions rise in petroleum sector

State owned petroleum companies Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Sui Southern Gas Company

Islamabad: State owned petroleum companies Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) faced serious criticism in the Senate after lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over missing information, failure to follow committee directions and concerns about company management.

The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum questioned the performance and accountability of government owned petroleum companies and considered taking strict action against officials who failed to cooperate with parliamentary oversight.

During the meeting chaired by Senator Umer Farooq, the committee reviewed the appointment criteria for chairpersons and managing directors of petroleum companies, the structure of their boards and progress on previous committee recommendations.

The committee took serious notice of the absence of the Managing Director of Pakistan Refinery Limited during the meeting. Members expressed concern that PRL, despite being a state-owned company, did not provide the required information to the committee.

The committee considered initiating a privilege motion against the Managing Director of PRL for failing to appear and provide necessary details. The Petroleum Division was directed to submit complete information about the boards of directors and senior management of all government owned petroleum companies.

The committee said transparency in leadership appointments and company management is necessary because these organisations deal with matters directly linked to the national economy and public interest.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of Sui Southern Gas Company and its failure to implement previous recommendations. Members said SSGC had not provided details of its board of directors despite earlier instructions.

The committee also raised concerns over remarks made by SSGC that were considered discouraging toward the Senate Standing Committee’s role in discussing important matters.

The committee considered moving a privilege motion against SSGC over non compliance with its directions. The Petroleum Division was further directed to review the tenure of board members who have remained in positions beyond the approved period and submit a detailed report.

The committee also raised concerns over the absence of performance audits of oil rigs. Authorities were directed to provide the required audit report within seven days so that the committee could review the performance and efficiency of petroleum sector operations.

Members said proper audits are necessary to identify problems, improve production and ensure better use of national resources. The committee also reviewed issues related to LPG quotas and licensing.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority was directed to hold consultations with all relevant stakeholders and submit a detailed report to the committee. Senators stressed that petroleum companies must improve governance, follow parliamentary instructions and ensure public institutions operate with transparency.

The committee said accountability in state owned petroleum companies is essential to protect national interests and improve confidence in the energy sector.