Downstream fuel regulator, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), will be fully empowered from Friday to authorise companies to lay and operate oil and gas pipelines in the county. The government has decided to notify the empowering provision in the law. ?From Friday, section 16 of the PNGRB Act is being notified after a long hiatus. The board has been empowered to function to its full capacity.? said petroleum secretary S Sundareshan. The secretary said that with this, a new era of licensing of pipelines for city gas distribution will be set in motion.