March 20, India — In a significant policy shift, the government has brought energy related data under the ambit of national security, directing all stakeholders in the oil and gas ecosystem to submit detailed operational information on a regular basis. The directive, issued through the Petroleum and Natural Gas (Furnishing of Information) Order, 2026, mandates comprehensive data sharing with the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).
The order applies to a wide spectrum of entities, including refiners, LNG operators, pipeline companies, city gas distributors and petrochemical units across both public and private sectors. Depending on requirements, firms may be required to report data as frequently as daily.
Authorities have sought granular inputs covering production volumes, import flows, stock positions and consumption trends. The directive overrides any existing confidentiality clauses, making it obligatory for companies to comply regardless of commercial sensitivities.
This move comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over energy security following supply disruptions triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. India’s heavy dependence on imports particularly crude oil, natural gas and LPG has heightened vulnerability to external shocks, especially after key supply routes were impacted.
While alternative crude sources have helped cushion some of the impact, shortages in gas and LPG have led to reduced availability for industrial and commercial consumers. The government now aims to build a real-time data ecosystem to better anticipate and respond to such disruptions.
Officials indicate that centralized data monitoring will allow faster decision making, improved inventory management and prioritization of essential sectors like power generation, fertiliser production and domestic LPG distribution.
The legal basis for the order stems from the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, empowering the government to collect critical supply chain information in the public interest. Companies involved in any stage of petroleum or natural gas operations—ranging from production to end-use—are now required to submit structured data through designated digital platforms.
The directive also makes it clear that no entity can withhold information citing proprietary or sensitive business concerns. Compliance will likely require companies to upgrade their reporting systems as regulatory oversight intensifies.
With this step, the government is shifting its focus beyond sourcing strategies to ensuring complete visibility across the energy supply chain, a move seen as crucial in navigating an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.