High-level Expert Committee (HLEC) To Review The Extant Consumer Protection : PNGRB

High-level Expert Committee (HLEC) to review the extant consumer protection provisions and recommend a way forward to ensure comprehensive consumer protection framework.

New Delhi, Mar 18 PNGRB had constituted a High-Level Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Shri Ratan P. Watal, Chairman, Central Vista Oversight Committee and former Secretary Finance, Govt of India comprising 7 distinguished members from industry and experts to review the extant consumer protection provisions and recommend a way forward to ensure comprehensive consumer protection framework for oil and gas sector with following Terms of Reference (ToR):

To examine & suggest measures for effective implementation of Section 11(f) (i) to (vi) of PNGRB Act, 2006.
To examine scope of powers of Board under section 12 (1) of PNGRB Act, 2006.
To examine existing Regulations of PNGRB and suggest mechanism to ensure effective implementation of Section 11(a) r/w Preamble to PNGRB Act, 2006.
To clarify avoidance of conflict with existing provisions relating to consumer protection in other statutes.
To examine existing provisions for appointment of Ombudsman with regard to protection of consumer interest in other regulatory bodies and suggest institution of a suitable mechanism in oil & gas sector.

The High-Level Expert committee undertook extensive stakeholder consultations with Industry leaders, consumer forums, and undertook study of comparative regulatory frameworks, analysis of historical data etc. After finalising its recommendations, Shri Ratan P Watal handed over the committee report to Dr Anil Kumar Jain Chairperson, PNGRB on 11.03.2025.

The report has comprehensively addressed the given ToRs and recommended way forward to ensure comprehensive consumer protection framework for oil and gas sectors under the PNGRB Act, 2006. The committee has Inter-alia recommended formulation of dedicated Consumer Protection Regulations detailing the service obligations of the entities, rights of consumers of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas etc.

The committee has further recommended to create consumer awareness through campaigns, social media etc. on same. Engaging Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs) for consumer protection and awareness have also been advocated.

Committee has also recommended to institute consumer grievance redressal & escalation mechanism at entity and PNGRB level and appointment of Ombudsman in line with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) & Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).