OASIS Files Complaint Against Mari Energies for Alleged Gas Sale Violations in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD — The Organisation for Advancement & Safeguard of Industrial Sector (OASIS) has lodged a formal complaint with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and regulatory authorities, alleging that Mari Energies Ltd violated a Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision by selling 35% of gas from the Spinwam Gas Field to unlicensed entities, according to a June 11, 2026, report in Dawn.

OASIS Complaint Over Gas Sale Process

The complaint, filed with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), argues that Mari Energies’ auction process for third-party gas sales bypassed statutory licensing requirements. OASIS claims the company’s advertisement omitted the necessity of an Ogra license, instead allowing participation from entities registered with tax authorities and listed on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL). This, the organization asserts, replaces legal licensing with tax registration, undermining regulatory oversight.

“Such practices risk creating commercial rights for ineligible parties and distorting competition against licensed firms,” the complaint states, as reported by Dawn. OASIS has requested the advertisement be declared illegal and the bidding process suspended, citing potential safety, technical, and financial risks to the sector.

Regulatory Framework and Alleged Violations

The CCI-approved framework permits upstream (E&P) companies to sell up to 35% of their gas share to third parties with valid Ogra licenses via a competitive process. OASIS alleges that Mari Energies’ tender documents failed to enforce this requirement, violating the CCI’s guidelines.

Ogra regulations mandate that third-party gas sales require licensing to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. By allowing unlicensed entities to participate, the complaint argues, Mari Energies risks compromising sector integrity. The organization has also forwarded the complaint to the army chief, petroleum minister, and Ogra chairman, demanding stricter enforcement of licensing rules.

Potential Legal and Sector Implications

OASIS warns that failure to address the issue could lead to a constitutional challenge under Article 199 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which allows courts to intervene in matters of public interest. The organization has called for reissuing tender documents that restrict participation to Ogra license holders, ensuring regulatory compliance in future gas sales.

The dispute highlights tensions between regulatory bodies and private firms over the interpretation of licensing rules. Similar controversies have arisen in past years, including a 2022 case where Ogra suspended a gas sale due to non-compliance with licensing protocols, as documented by Dawn.

Industry Reactions and Next Steps

While Mari Energies has not publicly responded to the complaint, industry analysts note that the case could set a precedent for future gas sales. “If OASIS succeeds, it may strengthen Ogra’s authority to enforce licensing requirements,” said Ayesha Khan, a energy policy researcher at the Islamabad Institute of Policy Research, in a 2023 interview with The News.

The outcome could also impact investor confidence in Pakistan’s energy sector. In 2023, the World Bank highlighted regulatory clarity as a key factor for foreign direct investment in the country’s hydrocarbon industry.