OGRA has identified around 500 petrol pumps that remained inactive for most of the year but reported selling thousands of liters of petrol during March and April, raising concerns over the authenticity of fuel sales linked to pending Price Differential Claims (PDCs).

The revelation was made by Acting Chairman Nabeel Ahmad Awan during a meeting reviewing long-pending PDCs submitted by oil marketing companies (OMCs). He said the claims had remained unresolved for an extended period and directed OMCs to appear before the regulator so the verification process could be completed without further delay.

As part of the review, OGRA has asked oil companies to submit written recommendations along with supporting documents, including 18 months of bank statements and electricity bills, to verify the legitimacy of their claims.

The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) objected to the documentation requirement, arguing that it is unreasonable to expect companies to retain electricity bills dating back 18 months. Industry representatives said such records are often unavailable, making compliance difficult.

Responding to the objections, Awan said OGRA’s scrutiny had already uncovered approximately 500 petrol pumps that remained inactive for most of the year but suddenly reported selling thousands of liters of petrol during March and April. He added that when operators were asked to provide electricity bills as evidence of operations, several claimed their filling stations were running entirely on solar power and therefore had no electricity bills to produce.

Awan reiterated that OGRA is committed to clearing outstanding PDC claims but said the regulator will first ensure that all claims are properly verified through documentary evidence.

The acting chairman assumed office in April after the federal government removed the regulator’s interim chief amid concerns over oil supply management, petroleum pricing, and delays in implementing the country’s oil supply chain automation system.