Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India.
2. One of the tasks of PNGRB is to ensure competitive markets for gas.
3. Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is [B] 2 and 3 only.The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006, to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas.

• Statement 1 (Incorrect): PNGRB is not the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. Several regulatory bodies existed long before 2006, such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) established statutorily in 1992, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) established in 1997.
• Statement 2 (Correct): According to the PNGRB Act, one of the primary mandates of the Board is to foster fair trade and ensure competitive markets for gas. it regulates the refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of petroleum products and natural gas to prevent monopolistic practices.
• Statement 3 (Correct): Under Section 30 of the PNGRB Act, 2006, the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), established under the Electricity Act, 2003, serves as the appellate authority. It hears appeals against the orders and decisions made by the PNGRB.
• Functions of PNGRB: It registers entities to market notified petroleum products, establishes and operates natural gas pipelines, and lays out city or local natural gas distribution networks.

The board consists of a Chairperson, a Member (Legal), and three other members appointed by the Central Government, ensuring technical and legal expertise in the energy sector.