New Delhi, 30 September (H.S.): The Central Government has released the draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for public consultation. An explanatory note accompanying the draft has also been made available to help stakeholders and members of the public understand the proposed amendments. Comments and objections may be submitted until October 30, 2026.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been released for comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the general public as part of the pre-legislative consultation process. The exercise is aimed at obtaining views and recommendations from all stakeholders before the proposed legislation is introduced.

The ministry said the draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026, along with an explanatory note providing a brief overview of the proposed amendments, was uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on September 30, 2026.

Key Features of the Draft

Changes in Fines and Penalties: The draft proposes a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 15 crore for a first offence involving damage to petroleum facilities, theft or acts that endanger public safety. For a second or subsequent offence, the proposed penalty could be increased to up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 crore.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invited stakeholders and members of the public to submit their comments or suggestions, if any, on the draft Bill. Responses may be sent to the Under Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Kartavya Bhavan-03, New Delhi-110001, or submitted by email to [sodist-png@gov.in](mailto:sodist-png@gov.in) and [richa.86@nic.in](mailto:richa.86@nic.in), before October 30, 2026.

The ministry said that all suggestions and comments received during the consultation process would be duly examined.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar