Oil Ministry drafts Petroleum Act amendments to decriminalise minor breaches
The draft bill replaces criminal liability for minor licence breaches with civil penalties of up to ₹5 crore while creating specific offences for serious violations.
Palanor Wire · composed from 3 outlets · every claim links to its sources
What happened
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas proposed the draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026. 123 The bill seeks to decriminalise minor licence breaches under the Petroleum Act. 23 The amendments would replace criminal liability for minor breaches with civil penalties. 3 The draft proposes civil penalties of up to ₹2.5 crore for a first violation and ₹5 crore for repeat breaches. 1 The bill proposes tougher punishment for serious violations. 13
What to watch
The ministry has invited public feedback on the proposed amendments. 2
Sources · 3
[1]Petroleum Act draft: Licence breaches may no longer be criminal, but repeat violations could cost ₹5 crore
livemint.com · via Marketaux
[2]Oil Ministry aims to amend Petroleum act to decriminalise minor offences
thehindubusinessline.com · via Marketaux
[3]Govt floats draft Petroleum Amendment Bill to decriminalise minor offences
business-standard.com · via Marketaux
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