In a significant assertion of state control over the private energy sector, the Indian government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to require near real-time data sharing from all entities in the oil and gas supply chain, classifying this data as a national security issue. The new Petroleum and Natural Gas (Furnishing of Information) Order 2026 mandates that all stakeholders—including producers, refiners, and retailers—must submit detailed operational data to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).
This comprehensive requirement includes sensitive information on production, imports, exports, and consumption patterns, with the order overriding existing commercial confidentiality agreements. Entities cannot refuse to disclose information on the grounds of commercial sensitivity, and they must report as directed by PPAC, with potential criminal penalties for non-compliance.
This move comes amid India’s heavy reliance on imported energy—approximately 88% of crude oil and significant quantities of natural gas and LPG. The government aims to use the real-time data to manage ongoing supply constraints effectively, classifying various sectors by priority to ensure essential industries, like domestic LPG and CNG, receive adequate supplies while reducing allocations to less critical areas like petrochemicals.
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