RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) has agreed to pay the fine imposed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to comply with the regulator’s directives.

The OGRA on Friday last ordered Shell to pay about Rs 257 million ($2.4 million) in damages and compensation for a tanker explosion that killed more than 200 people in Ahmadpur East. The OGRA held the SPL responsible for the blast in Punjab province on June 25 after the tanker carrying gasoline for the company rolled over, and villagers rushed to collect leaking fuel.

The SPL will pay the fine imposed by OGRA; however, the company reserves the right to contest the fine. “The matter is under investigation and we will decide regarding the appropriate course of action once more information is known and investigations are concluded,” says an SPL statement.

According to a statement of the company, “Shell Pakistan Limited does not accept liability and clearly recognises that this was a tragedy that has deeply affected the community.