Panel For Upstream Hydrocarbon Regulatory Body

A high-power working group, set up by the petroleum ministry under the chairmanship of additional secretary Naresh Narad, has suggested the setting up of a single, separate regulatory authority for the upstream sector.

To be called the Upstream Hydrocarbon Regulatory Authority (UHRA), it will encompass all facets of the upstream sector involving exploration, drilling, production and transportation of oil and gas.

While recommending that for the time being UHRA should be empowered through the existing provisions of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959, the working group has said that the legal statue through which it should be empowered requires further deliberations by interested groups.

It has said that the parallel task of drafting a legislation for UHRA should be taken up with a target date of completion by March 31, 2002.

The group has recommended that