Stakeholders holding gas marketing licenses from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) have expressed concerns over the bidding framework for the Spinwam gas field, arguing that it conflicts with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision governing third-party gas sales.
The issue resurfaced after Mari Energies held a consultative session on June 17 and extended the bidding deadline for the field to July 2, 2026. Industry participants said the discussions did not address their primary concern regarding the participation of companies that do not hold an OGRA license at the time of bidding.
Licensed companies contend that allowing unlicensed entities to compete in the tender and secure approvals later undermines the regulated gas marketing framework. They argue that licensing should be a mandatory requirement before bidding, as it demonstrates technical expertise, financial capability, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection standards.
Industry players, including Pakistan LNG, Natural Gas Supply Company, Ghani Glass, Wellhead, and Universal Gas Distribution Company, maintain that the CCI’s decision permits gas sales only to licensed entities. They warned that allowing unlicensed bidders could delay commercialization and create legal and regulatory complications.
Mari Energies has maintained that obtaining an OGRA license cannot be made a pre-bidding requirement. The company stated that it has already communicated its position to OGRA and that altering the bidding criteria at this stage could expose it to legal challenges.
The company further said it would assist the successful bidder in securing the required license after the tender process and is prepared to bear the commercial risk if licensing delays affect project timelines. Mari Energies noted that the entire 50 million cubic feet per day gas supply, including 17.5 million cubic feet per day from the Spinwam field, is currently being delivered to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited on an interim basis.
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