Hardeep Puri highlighted policy reforms to boost oil and gas exploration. These reforms aim to ease business for operators. Amendments to the Oilfields Act occurred in March 2025. New PNG rules followed within three months. Stakeholders can provide feedback on draft rules by July 17, 2025. Puri invites industry leaders to explore opportunities.



Union Minister Hardeep Puri announced that India's oil and gas exploration sector has become "easier, faster, and more profitable than ever before," thanks to recent policy reforms.

In March 2025, the government amended the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, marking a significant regulatory overhaul. Subsequently, new Petroleum & Natural Gas (PNG) rules were introduced within three months. These reforms aim to enhance the ease of doing business for exploration and production (E&P) operators.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft rules by July 17, 2025. Minister Puri emphasized that these changes were made after extensive stakeholder consultations at every level. He encouraged industry leaders and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities arising from these reforms.

The government believes that these measures will significantly boost oil and gas exploration activities in the country. The amendments and new rules are seen as part of a broader strategy to accelerate exploration and production under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The reforms are expected to attract more investment and expertise into India's energy sector. Overall, the government is optimistic that these changes will lead to a more dynamic and profitable oil and gas exploration landscape in India.

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