Ogra launches e-licensing platform to streamline oil, gas approvals

ISLAMABAD: The oil and gas industry took a digital step forward on Tuesday as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) launched a full-scale e-licensing system, enabling end-to-end online approvals for licenses in gas, LNG, CNG, LPG, refining, and oil marketing segments.

The new platform -- developed with the National IT Board -- is part of a broader push to modernise Pakistan’s regulatory infrastructure, slashing paperwork and processing times for midstream and downstream players. Companies can now apply, track and receive licence approvals entirely online, a move seen as pivotal in improving the ease of doing business and drawing in foreign and local investment.

“This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey towards digital governance,” said the spokesperson of Ogra in a news statement on Tuesday. “By cutting paperwork and enabling faster processing, we are not only improving convenience for applicants and investors, but also reinforcing confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory framework.”With energy demand rising and Pakistan keen to revamp its energy landscape, the e-licensing system is expected to ease bottlenecks that have long deterred investors.