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Business
PNGRB Orders Clear Accountability for Major Oil and Gas Accidents
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 05:39 AM
👁 5
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has issued a directive requiring operators to establish definitive responsibility for major oil and gas mishaps.
New Delhi – The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has issued a formal mandate that oil and gas companies must clearly assign responsibility for any major accident that occurs in their operations. The directive, released on Monday, calls for detailed accountability frameworks covering prevention, emergency response and post‑incident investigations. Operators are required to submit revised safety protocols to the board within a stipulated timeframe, ensuring that liability is traceable at every stage of an incident.
PNGRB officials said the move aims to strengthen the sector’s safety culture and reduce the frequency of high‑impact accidents that have historically caused environmental damage and economic loss. The board will monitor compliance through periodic audits and may impose penalties on entities that fail to meet the new standards.
The regulatory step comes amid growing public concern over several high‑profile oil and gas incidents in recent years. By mandating explicit responsibility, PNGRB hopes to improve transparency, expedite remedial actions and restore confidence among consumers and investors.
Stakeholders in the industry have been advised to review existing contracts and operational manuals to align with the board’s expectations. The board will also organize workshops to guide companies through the implementation process.
The directive is expected to take effect within the next 60 days, after which compliance reports will be evaluated for further action.
PNGRB officials said the move aims to strengthen the sector’s safety culture and reduce the frequency of high‑impact accidents that have historically caused environmental damage and economic loss. The board will monitor compliance through periodic audits and may impose penalties on entities that fail to meet the new standards.
The regulatory step comes amid growing public concern over several high‑profile oil and gas incidents in recent years. By mandating explicit responsibility, PNGRB hopes to improve transparency, expedite remedial actions and restore confidence among consumers and investors.
Stakeholders in the industry have been advised to review existing contracts and operational manuals to align with the board’s expectations. The board will also organize workshops to guide companies through the implementation process.
The directive is expected to take effect within the next 60 days, after which compliance reports will be evaluated for further action.