- Why in news
- On 30 September 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas put the draft Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on its website for public comment. Comments are due by 30 October 2026.
- What it is
- The Petroleum Act, 1934 is the old law that governs the import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum in India. It is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and licensing and safety rules are made under it. The 2026 draft proposes amendments to this Act. The release gives no details of them, only an explanatory note on the ministry website.
- Draft hosted
- The draft Bill and an explanatory note were put on the ministry website on 30 September 2026.
- Consultation deadline
- Stakeholders and the public can send comments to the Under Secretary (Distribution) by post or email on or before 30 October 2026.
- Pre-legislative consultation
- The step is part of pre-legislative consultation, and the inputs received will be examined.
- Parent law
- The Petroleum Act, 1934 is the central law on the import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum.
- Administering ministry
- The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas administers the Act, and the Petroleum Rules are made under it.
Don’t confuse with Petroleum Act, 1934 vs Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948: The 1934 Act deals with import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum. The 1948 Act deals with regulating oilfields and developing mineral oil.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- An old law from 1934 is being reviewed, which may update the rules on petroleum handling and safety.
Problems
- The release does not state what the amendments are, so their effect cannot be judged yet.
Way forward
- Stakeholders should send comments by 30 October 2026 so that the final Bill reflects industry and public views.
Put in your answer
Pre-legislative consultation: Example of the government seeking public comment on a draft Bill before introducing it in Parliament.
- 2017Mains GS1 · Q15Implications of refineries located away from crude oil producing areas.
- 2019Prelims Q74Statements on PNGRB's status, tasks and appellate jurisdiction.
- 2025Prelims Q60Which petroleum sector activities are included among the four listed?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Draft law under consultation; no provisions given yet, so Prelims facts and a Mains debate are not ready.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.