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?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• PNGRB was set up under the PNGRB Act, 2006 to regulate refining, processing, storage, transport, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and natural gas.
• Statement 2 is correct: its mandate includes protecting consumer interests and promoting competitive markets, including for gas.
• Statement 3 is correct: Section 33 of the Act makes the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) the appellate body against PNGRB orders.
• Statement 1 is wrong: many regulators predate PNGRB — SEBI (1992), TRAI (1997), CERC (1998), IRDA (1999).
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: PNGRB is not India's first regulator.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 2 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.