Consider the following activities: 

I. Production of crude oil  

II. Refining, storage, and distribution of petroleum  

III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products  

IV. Production of natural gas  

How many of the above activities are regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) in India?  

  • Only one  
  • Only two  
  • Only three  
  • All four  

Answer: (b) Only two  

  • The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
  • The Act provides for the establishment of a Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to promote competitive markets.
  • As per the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, the board has been mandated 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.
  • It thus aims to ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas in all parts of the country.
PNGRB 
  • PNGRB is a regulatory and statutory body constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
    • The Board functions like a tribunal with powers similar to a Civil Court and performs quasi-judicial duties. 
  • Objective: It aims to protect consumer interests, regulate petroleum and natural gas activities (excluding crude oil production), promote competitive markets, and ensure uninterrupted supply across India. 
  • Dispute Resolution: It can adjudicate disputes among entities or individuals over petroleum and gas operations, including refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and marketing.
    • It also handles complaints on retail obligations, price displays, pipeline terms, city gas networks, and can issue orders, directions, or refer matters for investigation. 
  • Appeal Mechanism: The Appellate Tribunal, established under Section 110 of the Electricity Act, 2003, serves as the appeal authority under the PNGRB Act, 2006.