The government has removed the acting chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) amid criticism over slow progress on fuel supply monitoring and pricing.

Nabeel Ahmed Awan, a BS-22 PAS officer and current Establishment Division secretary, has been given additional charge of OGRA chairman for three months or until a permanent appointment is made. The outgoing acting chief, Shahzad Iqbal, will continue as Member Gas.

The reshuffle follows concerns raised during Cabinet Committee on Oil Products Monitoring meetings regarding OGRA’s delays in automation, stock visibility, supply chain integration, and explaining recent diesel price increases. Officials cited shortcomings in defending the regulator’s stance on pricing and supply management.

In response, joint teams from the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and Pakistan State Oil have been deployed at select petrol pumps in Islamabad to improve transparency and compliance. Authorities confirmed that, despite the controversies, fuel supplies remain stable, with diesel stocks covering around 25 days, crude about 12 days, and petrol adequate for current demand.