Energy law in Pakistan: OGRA, NEPRA and contracts
MSA Law Chamber advises operators, contractors and counterparties on energy and petroleum matters in Pakistan, including contracts, concessions, regulatory issues before OGRA and NEPRA, and disputes arising from supply, project and joint-venture arrangements.
The work sits between the commercial documents and the regulator: licences, tariffs, offtake and power-purchase questions, and the claims that follow when a project or supply arrangement breaks down.
Regulatory work in this sector usually involves OGRA, which regulates and licenses midstream and downstream oil and gas activities such as storage, marketing, CNG and LPG, and NEPRA, which regulates the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. We assist with licence applications and renewals, regulatory correspondence and proceedings, and challenges to regulatory decisions. Related corporate and contract work is covered on our corporate lawyers in Karachi page.
Who we act for
We act for oil marketing and distribution businesses, CNG and LPG operators, contractors and service companies working on oil, gas and power projects, renewable-energy developers, and industrial consumers dealing with supply or tariff issues.
Our Energy, Oil & Gas Law services
- Petroleum contracts and concessions
- OGRA and NEPRA matters
- Power purchase and offtake agreements
- Energy project disputes
- Compliance and regulatory filings
- Licence applications, renewals and regulatory correspondence
- Supply, distribution and dealership agreements
- EPC, service and joint-venture contracts
How we work
- Map the regulatory positionWe identify the licences, approvals and regulator that apply to your activity.
- Review the contractsWe read the concession, supply or project documents alongside the regulatory framework.
- Advise and draftWe advise on risks and draft or negotiate the agreements and regulatory submissions.
- Regulatory proceedingsWe represent you in hearings or proceedings before the regulator, and in any onward legal challenge.
- DisputesWhere an arrangement breaks down, we advise on arbitration, litigation or settlement.
Documents we usually need
- Licences, permits and regulatory approvals held
- Concession, supply, offtake or power purchase agreements
- Correspondence with the regulator or counterparty
- Tariff determinations or notices relevant to the matter
- Invoices, payment records and project records for disputes
Courts, forums and authorities
- Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) for midstream and downstream oil and gas
- National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for electricity
- Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Department, Government of Sindh
- Arbitral tribunals and the High Court of Sindh for disputes
The principal laws are the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 and the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 (the NEPRA Act), together with the rules and licences issued under them.
Why MSA Law Chamber
- We read the commercial documents and the regulatory framework together, because most energy disputes sit where the two meet.
- Our litigation practice supports regulatory challenges and contract disputes.
- Scope of work and fees are discussed and confirmed with you before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
OGRA regulates midstream and downstream oil and gas. NEPRA regulates electricity. Project and concession work may also engage the Petroleum Division and provincial energy departments.
Yes. The practice covers transactional documents and the claims that arise when a supply, project or joint-venture arrangement is contested.
Yes. Power-purchase, offtake and related project contracts are reviewed and, where needed, litigated or taken to the regulator.
Yes, through the review or appeal route provided in the relevant law and, where that is not available or adequate, before the High Court. Time limits for these remedies are short, so advice should be taken as soon as the decision is received.
Yes, on the contractual and regulatory side, including generation licences, power purchase arrangements and project agreements.
The requirements depend on the activity, for example storage, an oil marketing company, a retail outlet, CNG or LPG. An application is generally made to OGRA with corporate documents, technical and site details and the prescribed fee, and NOCs from other departments may also be required. We review the applicable rules for the specific activity before the application is prepared.
Yes. Consumer complaints against electricity distribution companies can be made to NEPRA, including through its online complaint system, usually after a complaint to the distribution company itself. Larger disputes, such as those under power purchase or supply contracts, are generally resolved under the contract's dispute resolution clause or in court.
Discuss your energy, oil & gas law matter
Call or WhatsApp us on +92 308 2254647 (Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm), or send an enquiry through our contact page.
This page is general information about our practice, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change; please take advice on your specific facts.