LAHORE, Nov 22: The Lahore High Court on Thursday accepted an unconditional apology tendered by Dr Asim Husain, adviser to prime minister on petroleum, about his statement to the media on a sub judice matter against LPG Policy 2011 and petroleum levy.

Appearing before a division bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, the adviser said he had no intention to scandalise or malign the court. He said he misjudged the proceedings pending before the court and offered unconditional apology.

About the petroleum levy challenged by LPG distribution/marketing companies, he said the notification of the levy had been withdrawn and a new policy for the year 2012 would be announced within a month.

Dr Husain said his ministry was determined to resolve the energy crisis and hoped that the court would guide him in this regard. The chief justice accepted the apology of the adviser and adjourned hearing of the case till Jan 23.

It was pleaded in the petitions that under the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Amendment Act 2011, discretionary powers were vested with the federal government to fix rate of petroleum levy.

The regulatory mechanism through Ogra in the LPG Policy 2011 for setting the rate of levy had been discarded by parliament.

The petitioners said Council of Common Interests (CCI) being highest policy making and regulatory body was not consulted on the issue of levy. They prayed to the court to declare the impugned levy void.