09 September 2011

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P- 2 Complete CAG Report – Reliance, Cairn Energy Petroleum and Natural Gas for a special audit of PSC

P- 2 Complete CAG Report – Reliance, Cairn Energy Petroleum and Natural Gas for a special audit of PSC

RJ-ON-90/1 block (Operator: Cairn Energy)

This onland block (mainly in Rajasthan) was awarded in 1995 under the pre-HELP exploratory rounds, and is currently operated by Cairn Energy. It now has India's largest onland oil discoveries, and also has significant gas discoveries. The high "pour point" of the crude oil has necessitated a 660 km oil pipeline with insulation and heating facilities to the Gujarat coast. Our main findings and recommendations with regard to the RJ-ON-90/1 block are as follows:


• 13 fresh discoveries were made during/ between the appraisal phase and in the
development phase in areas already delineated as development areas. Consequently, in
our opinion, the declaration of fresh discoveries during the appraisal/development phases
within delineated discovery/development areas amounted to irregular extension of
exploration activities, which is not in consonance with the terms of the PSC. This also
indicates that the discovery/development areas were not strictly delineated, and included
excess area.

There were instances of non-compliance with regard to the PSC provisions for notification of potential commercial interest, appraisal programme, submission of Field Development Plans etc.

Panna-Mukta and Mid & South Tapti Fields

The Panna-Mukta and Mid & South Tapti fields are offshore shallow water fields in the offshore Bombay basin, which were initially discovered and operated by ONGC. Subsequently, these were awarded in 1994 to a consortium of private operators under a IV arrangement with ONGC.

As already pointed out, our scrutiny of records of the PMT JV and findings arising thereon are incomplete, due to non-production of records. Based on the limited records made available to us, our main findings are as follows:

Gol incurred a substantial loss (on account of royalty) by failing to finalise the norms for
post-well head costs of gas, and consequentially, gas wellhead prices. Even the norms for
post well-head costs notified in August 2007 had significant deficiencies.

MoPNG has accepted all our detailed findings relating to calculation of wellhead value of
natural gas, and has agreed to take necessary action thereon.

MoPNG and its nominee for gas purchase (GAIL) failed to comply with the terms of the PSC during 2005-08 with regard to the pre-determined gas pricing formula. Not honouring the PSC formula severely affertc the sanctity of the contract !which is to he maintained by all parties), which is highly undesirable from the long-term perspective of all contracting parties.

The PMTJV had not completed key work commitments in respect of the Mukta Field, which remained undeveloped (with very low volumes of oil and gas production). The committed work programme in respect of the Mid & South Tapti fields was also incomplete.

Compliance and Control Issues

We also found numerous deficiencies in compliance and control vis-a-vis the PSC provisions by MoPNG/ DGH, notably with regard to:

• Irregular declaration of entire contract area of KG-OSN-2001/2 as discovery area;

• Non-compliance to PSC provisions regarding notification of discovery and submission of test reports;

• Delay in submission/ review of appraisal programme;

• Numerous deficiencies in functioning of the Management Committees for individual
blocks; and

• Deficiencies in timely submission of stipulated periodical reports.

Conclusions and General Recommendations

Our audit indicated that there is considerable scope for improvement in the management of hydrocarbon E&P with private sector participation. Structure of PSC The PSC, as it currently stands, is based on a scaled formula for profit sharing between the Gol
and the private contractors. This is based on a critical parameter — Investment Multiple (IM) -which is essentially an index of the capital-intensive nature of the E&P project i.e. the amount of "capex" on exploration and development activities relative to income. The slabs for profit sharing are so designed that more the capital intensive the project (i.e. lower IM), the lower the Gol share of "profit petroleum" (which could be as low as 5 to 10 per cent). Contrarily, the higher the IM (i.e. less capital intensive vis-a-vis income), the higher the Gol share of "profit petroleum" (which could be as high as 85 percent).

In practice, however, the private contractors have inadequate incentives to reduce capital
expenditure - and substantial incentive to increase capital expenditure or "front-end" capital expenditure, so as to retain the IM in the lower slabs or to delay movement to the higher slabs.

The structure of the IM-based profit sharing formula (especially when there is a huge jump in Gol's profit share from 28 per cent to 85 per cent on an IM slab of 2.5 or more) is such that in certain scenarios, an increase in capital expenditure, upto a point, could conceivably result in an increase in the contractor's share of profit petroleum, despite a reduction in the total profit petroleum as well as Gol's share of profit petroleum. Further, "front-ending" of capital expenditure (i.e. skewed towards the initial phases) decreases the IM, and postpones the movement to higher IM slabs; this results in a reduction in Gol share on a discounted cash flow basis, since the slabs involving higher Gol share come later, rather than earlier.

Operational control of E&P operations is largely with the private operators, and the Gol's
oversight role is restricted essentially to its representation (through MoPNG and/ or DGH) in the Management Committee for the block, especially in approval of Annual Work Programmes and Budgets and Field Development Plans, as well as a few approval functions delineated in the PSC.

Ashok Chawla Committee Report

We are given to understand that the report of the Ashok Chawla Committee on allocation of natural resources also draws similar conclusions regarding the IM-based profit-sharing
formula. This committee had, inter alia, representatives from MoPNG and the Ministry of
Finance, so it can safely be presumed that its conclusions were well considered. However, the report is not currently available in the public domain.

According to media reports, the Committee has stated that the system "gives incentive (to an operator) to increase his investment, or front-end his work plan in order to see that the
threshold where Government's profit take rises rapidly is not reached". Citing the example of KG-DWN-98/3, the Committee has stated that "the relationship between the pre-tax IM and the share of contractor profit petroleum changes dramatically once the pre-tax IM crosses 2.5, with the government's share increasing from 28 per cent to 85 per cent.
It is useful to remember that this schedule is bid by the operator, and not determined by the Government." Further, according to the Committee, "a high share of some pre-tax IM will help to win the bid, depending on the financial mode of evaluation used, but it does raise concerns that such a radical change would provide very strong incentives for any operator to adopt all investment and strategies possible to ensure that the pre-tax IM stays within the 2.5 limit". The report clearly points out the risks associated with the IM-based formula for sharing of profit petroleum, especially with a steep jump in profit sharing from one slab to another. In our view, even the linearity introduced in the sliding scale for IM slabs from NELP-VII onwards does not fully address these risks.

The oversight/ control of Gol representatives on high value procurement decisions is also very limited in scope (largely restricted to prior intimation of the list of pre-qualified bidders). In fact, a comparison of the procurement procedure under PSCs in Bangladesh and India reveals that the clauses are similar, except that the Bangladesh PSCs require approval by the Management Committee for high value procurements (typically greater than US$ 500,000). This clause is, however, strangely missing from the Indian PSCs in almost all its versions.
Our audit review also revealed that, by and large, the MoPNG as also DGH, both through the Management Committee and otherwise, did not pay adequate attention to protecting - at every stage of E&P, be it exploration, development or production - Gol's financial interests.

Adequate attention was not paid to specifically how every proposal/ decision would potentially affect Gol's share of profit petroleum. In addition to their failings, the constraints of adequately skilled resources with MoPNG/ DGH for monitoring several hundred PSCs simultaneously cannot also be ignored. By contrast, it is inconceivable that the private contractor would fail to protect his financial interests, and assess every investment/ operational proposal to see whether it would result in incremental revenues for him both in terms of cost recovery and contractor's share of profit petroleum.

Given the similar conclusions that two independent agencies have reached as regards the
adverse impact of the profit sharing mechanism in protecting Gol's share (linked to the IM), designed in the late 1990s, there does seem to be enough ground to revisit the formula. The PSC as drawn up then, was with the limited expertise available with the Gol at that point of time. In view of the fact, albeit by hindsight, that we have gained the knowledge now, there is need to conclusively address this issue in respect of future PSCs.

Recommendations for Future PSCs

The stated strength of the profit sharing mechanism is the sharing of risks between the
contractor and the Government— if the profits are low or non-existent, both parties suffer.

For future PSCs, we recommend that the IM-linkage with the profit sharing formula (even with the linear sliding scale introduced from NELP-VII onwards) be removed by the Gol. Instead, the biddable profit-sharing percentage should be a single percentage. This will reduce the incentive for skewed volume and timing of capital expenditure resulting in very low Gol share of PP. Further, in order to ensure a modicum of control, very high value procurement decisions above a specified limit should be subject to approval by the MC, more specifically the approval of the Gol representatives. Such a mechanism already exists in PSCs operating in Bangladesh.

Bid Evaluation Criteria

The Bid Evaluation Criteria (BEC) currently give weightage to technical/financial ability and two biddable parameters - committed exploratory work and fiscal package (royalty + Gol share of profit petroleum). As regards fiscal package, the current evaluation model generally involves multiple scenarios of oil reserves and oil prices (typically high, medium and low) as well as a projected profile.

The assumptions based on which calculations of fiscal packages of different bidders are made are completely hypothetical. In the absence of high quality seismic data, let alone drilling and discovery findings, estimates of oil/ gas reserves and production profiles, as also projected capital and operating expenses and even crude oil and natural gas prices, are completely speculative. Admittedly, the evaluation model is applied consistently across all bidders.

However, when the current system allows multiple bidding points (viz. different Gol shares of PP for different IM slabs), these hypothetical assumptions can not only make a significant difference as to who comes out as the winning bidder, but can also convey extremely unrealistic assumptions about what Gol's share of PP will be (e.g. when will Gol's share of PP reach the highest IM slab?).

Consequently, we recommend that the bidders should be allowed to make only a single point bid, which can be compared straightaway without resorting to hypothetical assumptions.

As regards the biddable exploratory work programme, we are generally in agreement with the bid evaluation process, except for the system of awarding points for well depth. As pointed out in Chapter 4 (relating to KG-DWN-98/3), it is unrealistic and impractical, without having accurate and reliable seismic data, to bid upfront how deep the well should be drilled, and then expect that, notwithstanding geological objectives, the well will be drilled to the committed depth even if it means a waste of money.

Consequently, in future, while considering the bid evaluation criteria, we recommend that
either no weightage be allocated for well depth, or alternatively, well commitments be
categorised into two groups — wells above and below a specified depth, e.g., 1500 or 2000 metres, and points be awarded accordingly.

MoPNG stated (July 2011) that they are prepared to look at alternative formulas and would consider the suggestion of the CAG and the Ashok Chawla Committee with an open mind and take a final view on merits.

Management of existing PSCs

The vast majority of blocks with high prospects for hydrocarbon discovery have already been awarded through various pre-NELP/ NELP rounds, and Gol has no option but to work within the constraints of the existing PSC structure and clauses to the fullest extent possible.

Development Plans and Annual Work Programmes and Budgets

It is inconceivable that a private operator/contractor will make investments in absolute as well as incremental terms, in petroleum operations under the PSC without assessing whether such investments would result in increased revenues for him in terms of cost recovery and contractor's share of profit petroleum.

It is necessary for MoPNG and DGH to function in a similar manner, with regard to Gol's financial interests. Consequently we recommend the following:
• Review and approval of development plans should be considered not just from a "technical perspective" viz. how best can oil and gas be extracted from the reservoirs, but also from a financial perspective— not only overall (i.e. what is the project NPV, Rate of Return etc.), but specifically from Gol's point of view (what are the projections of royalty and Gol share of profit petroleum? What are the risks to these revenues? How will increases/ decreases in capital expenditure, reserves, reservoir productivity, prices etc. affect Gol's financial take?).

• While reviewing and approving development plans, Gol representatives on the MC as well as DGH and MoPNG should ensure that detailed and appropriately validated estimates of Gol take and contractor take are included as an integral part of these plans at the approval stage. A suitable range for Gol take, say 15, 20 or 25 per cent, as considered appropriate by MoPNG could be stipulated.

• Approval by MoPNG of such development plans should be on the clear stipulation that any changes in capital and operating expenditure, expenditure commitments, production
quantities and other factors, which have the impact of reducing the Investment Multiple
and Gol share of profit petroleum beyond the stipulated range must be submitted for prior
approval by Gol representatives on the MC, with detailed justification.

• Annual Work Programmes and Budgets should be strictly in line with the approved
development plans. Any deviations or changes vis-à-vis the development plan which have the impact of reducing the IM and Gol share of profit petroleum beyond the stipulated range must be submitted for prior approval of the MC. Similarly, any significant variations from the approved Work Programme and Budgets with similar impact beyond the stipulated range must also be subject to prior approval.

• Incurring of any costs which vary from the Development Plans and Annual Work
Programmes & Budgets on an overall basis, as well as in terms of significant line items with significant adverse impact on IM and Gol share of profit petroleum — beyond the stipulated range - without prior approval of Gol representatives on MC should automatically be ineligible for cost recovery.

While some of these recommendations could be misconstrued as hampering operational
flexibility in petroleum operations by the contractor, the importance of the overall
objective of protecting Gol's revenue interests cannot be ignored

Procurement Activities

The provisions relating to procurement procedures in the PSCs do not provide for adequate oversight / control by Gol representatives on procurement processes. However, given the existing provisions, we recommend the following measures for protecting Gol's financial interest:

The objective of effective procurement is to ensure optimum, not necessarily lowest, prices through effective competition. As long as adequate number of 'responsive' financial bids, typically three or more, from reputed vendors, who are pre-qualified after following due process, are received and duly considered (i.e., not withdrawn, disqualified on technical or other grounds, deviations/ non-responsiveness or otherwise not considered), generate adequate competitive tension, the probability of effective procurement at optimum costs remains high.

• However, when high value contracts are awarded on the basis of single 'responsive'
financial bids, in our opinion, these are awarded without competition, effectively on
nomination basis. In all such cases, prior approval of the MC should be necessary for such awards. Post facto approval, with appropriate justification, for emergent procurement decisions may also be considered. Similar provisions would also apply to all procurement decisions involving post-priced bid opening changes to scope, quantities, work, prices, conditions etc.

• Also, the practice of repeated extensions, subsequent substantial variations in scope etc. of existing contracts is also not in line with the existing PSC procurement provisions, which incidentally makes no mention of extensions. Extensions or scope variations for high value contracts, beyond the contractually stipulated extensions, should also be subject to prior MC approval, with provisions for post facto approval in emergent cases.

Relinquishment of area, and delineation of discovery and development areas
The entire PSC process is designed to ensure that the private contractors fully explore the
contract area within designated timelines, relinquish areas where hydrocarbon prospects
appear poor in a phased manner, and retain only those areas where hydrocarbon discoveries are made, relinquishing the remaining area for re-allocation — through a competitive bidding process - to other potential bidders, whose hopes/views in terms of hydrocarbon prospectivity differ (either on account of technical and other capabilities or in terms of their risk appetite) from the contract holders who have relinquished such area. We, therefore, recommend the following:

The stipulated timelines and processes in the PSC for relinquishment of contract area
should, under no circumstances, be relaxed, and compliance with these provisions should
be invariably ensured.

Further, the discovery and development areas should be rigorously delineated, keeping
strictly to the discoveries made through exploratory and appraisal well drilling and proper
delineation of reservoir boundaries. Attempts by contractors for delineation of excessively wide discovery/ development areas through elastic (and incorrect interpretation) of hydrocarbon discovery should be strongly rebutted.

Compliance with other PSC provisions
The PSC is a contractual document, and compliance with every contractual clause is of utmost
importance. It would be inappropriate to distinguish between "major" and "minor" clauses,
and neglect monitoring of compliance with so-called "minor" PSC clauses.
We recommend that DGH, and where necessary, MoPNG should put into place adequate and effective measures to ensure that rnmnlianre with all nrnvisinns of the PSC are fully mnnitnred on a timely basis and appropriately documented, and action taken against operators on a timely and consistent basis, for non-compliance with PSC provisions. For such purposes, strengthening of the resource basis of DGH in terms of adequate quantity of skilled resources may be necessary.

DGH should also consider developing a comprehensive PSC monitoring system, which will not only provide details of compliance with PSC provisions for any block/ contract at a glance, but will also enable operators to "file" returns/ documents/ information electronically through the web and/or e-mail. The cost of developing (and maintaining) such an IT system will be miniscule, compared to the total Gol Profit Petroleum revenues as well as the potential (although not exactly quantifiable) gains from more effective and timely monitoring of compliance.

Role of DGH

In our view, the roles and functions of DGH encompass two sets of functions with potential conflict of interest — an upstream regulatory function, and a function of rendering technical advice to Gol. While in 1993 (when DGH was set up), there was lack of adequate clarity on the role and position of regulators in various economic sectors, the need for clear autonomy of sectoral regulators (from the Executive) is now well recognised.

Consequently, we recommend that the functions currently discharged by the DGH be clearly demarcated. The technical advisory and related functions should be discharged by a body completely subordinate in all respects to MoPNG (either a cell/ attached office/ subordinate office within the MoPNG or a separate entity under MoPNG). Functions of a regulatory nature (review of hydrocarbon reserves and reservoir management, laying down of norms for declaration of discoveries, laying down safety and related norms and conducting safety inspections/ audits etc.) should be discharged by an autonomous body, with an arm's length relationship with Gol.

Suggested Reading –
Complete CAG Report – Reliance Petroleum and Natural Gas for a special audit of PSC Part One
http://realityviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/complete-cag-report-reliance-petroleum.html

Reality views by sm –
Friday, September 09, 2011

Tags- Complete CAG Report Reliance RIL KG BASIN 6

2 comments:

Alka Gurha September 09, 2011  

I have not read the details of the CAG report but it is a known fact that Murli Deora was in bed with Mukesh Ambani...