Govt makes data sharing mandatory for oil and gas firms to boost energy monitoring
One of key highlights of move is creation of a centralised system to closely monitor crude oil and natural gas stocks across country
PTC Web Desk: In a major step to tighten control over the energy sector, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced a new rule that requires all companies in the petroleum and natural gas chain to share detailed operational data with the Central Government.
The order, titled Petroleum and Natural Gas (Furnishing of Information) Order, 2026, has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which allows the government to regulate key resources in the public interest.
This new rule strengthens existing systems and works alongside earlier regulations like the 1999 production and supply order and the recently announced gas supply regulation order of 2026.
One of the key highlights of the move is the creation of a centralised system to closely monitor crude oil and natural gas stocks across the country. The government has assigned the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) as the main agency to handle this task. PPAC will collect, organise and study data from across the sector to help the government take quicker and better decisions.
The order applies to a wide range of players, including crude oil producers, refineries, oil marketing companies, LNG importers, pipeline operators, city gas distributors and petrochemical units. Both public and private sector companies have been brought under its scope.
Companies will now have to provide detailed information such as production levels, imports and exports, stock availability, storage capacity, transportation details and consumption patterns. The government may ask for this data in different formats, depending on the need.
Importantly, the rule also allows authorities to decide how often companies must report data, it could be daily, weekly or monthly, ensuring near real-time tracking of the sector.
In a significant clause, companies cannot refuse to share information by citing confidentiality or commercial sensitivity. This makes the system more transparent and strengthens regulatory oversight.
Officials say the main aim behind the move is to improve energy security, prevent supply disruptions and maintain stability in the market. By building a strong and centralised data system, the government hopes to respond faster to changes in demand and supply and ensure smooth availability of fuel and gas across the country.