Pakistan's National Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution extending the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, for a further 120 days with effect from 28 October 2026. The ordinance, numbered V of 2026, therefore remains in force while Parliament considers permanent legislation in its place.

A 120-day extension from 28 October

The resolution was moved under the proviso to subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of clause (2) of Article 89 of the Constitution, the provision that governs the extension of ordinances. Ordinances are temporary laws promulgated by the president when Parliament is not in session, and they lapse unless they are extended or replaced by an act of Parliament.

What OGRA regulates

OGRA regulates Pakistan's oil and gas sector, including licensing for oil marketing companies and refineries and the framework within which petroleum prices and levies are administered. The extension keeps the amended regulatory framework in place rather than allowing it to lapse, which would have left the sector operating under the older legal position.

Separate levy bill also before the House

Separately, the National Assembly on the same day took up legislation to tighten collection of the petroleum levy and climate support levy, including making payment a condition of OGRA licences, with penalties, possible licence suspension and imprisonment of up to three years for defaulters under the bill as introduced. That bill is distinct from the ordinance extension: it has been referred to the relevant standing committee and has not become law. The extension itself does not change fuel prices or levy rates.

Sources: Lead Pakistan, Mettis Global (levy bill).