Day-to-day oil, gas matters do not require CCI nod

According to The Express Tribune, the federal government is preparing a plan that would take day-to-day administrative matters of oil and gas companies out of the CCI's purview, a step that could draw objections from the provinces. Sources said the government prefers not to seek approval from the CCI, which includes all four provinces, for routine gas sector management.

At present, the federal cabinet and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) take several oil and gas decisions. The government argues that routine work of oil and gas bodies falls under federal and provincial authority and does not need CCI review. New policies or amendments, however, would still require CCI approval, and regulators should act within existing laws and rules.

The government also wants Article 154 of the Constitution implemented, which gives the CCI power to formulate and regulate policies on Part-II matters. Various forums have argued over the interpretation, particularly after the 18th Amendment. The paper reports that the K-P government earlier raised the matter in a letter to the Cabinet Division. The ECC later agreed in April 2012 that the jurisdiction question could go to the CCI for a policy decision.