24 September 2026
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (“PNGRB” or the “Board”) released its Action Plan for the financial year 2026–27 (“Action Plan”), setting out a comprehensive programme of regulatory, commercial, infrastructural and institutional initiatives for the petroleum and natural gas sector in India. The Action Plan identifies measures aimed at expanding natural gas infrastructure, promoting competition and transparency, improving ease of doing business, strengthening consumer protection, and enhancing safety and sustainability across the sector.
The Action Plan sets out initiatives across PNGRB’s various divisions, covering infrastructure authorisation and monitoring, tariff determination, gas trading, consumer grievance redressal, technical and safety standards, compressed bio-gas (“CBG”), sustainability, hydrogen transportation, regulatory governance and digitalisation. The proposed measures also contemplate reviews of existing regulatory frameworks, the development of new regulations and institutional mechanisms, and the use of technology to improve regulatory oversight.
Among the key initiatives identified are facilitating CBG connectivity with natural gas pipelines, establishing CGD-to-CGD connectivity, conceptualising a National Product Pipeline Grid, promoting third-party access to infrastructure, progressively moving towards “One Nation, One Tariff”, introducing a Customer Protection Regulation, developing a Renewable Gas Certificate framework for CBG, and strengthening safety and supply-security requirements.
The Action Plan represents PNGRB’s proposed work programme for 2026–27. Accordingly, the initiatives discussed below are presented as proposed measures, regulatory reviews or planned developments, as applicable, and should not be construed as regulations that have already been notified or implemented.
The Authorisation Division has identified the expansion of pipeline infrastructure, improvement of connectivity, and promotion of efficient petroleum and natural gas logistics as key priorities for 2026–27. The proposed initiatives are intended to increase access to natural gas, improve infrastructure utilisation and facilitate the transportation of petroleum products through pipelines.
1.1. Strategic Gas Storage and Connectivity of Isolated Gas Fields
The Action Plan proposes increasing the availability of natural gas through the creation of strategic gas storage facilities, registration of LNG terminals, connectivity of isolated gas fields, and facilitation of CBG tie-in with natural gas pipelines (“NGPL”).
The Board also proposes prioritising pipeline connectivity to high-demand clusters through fast-track approvals and shared infrastructure. These measures are intended to facilitate access to natural gas infrastructure and improve the evacuation of available gas to consumption centres.
The proposed development of strategic gas storage infrastructure forms part of the Board’s broader approach to increasing accessible gas and strengthening the resilience of the natural gas infrastructure network. The Action Plan also identifies the development of natural gas and LNG storage infrastructure as an area for further planning and regulatory facilitation.
1.2. CBG Connectivity with Natural Gas Pipelines
The Action Plan identifies pipeline-based connectivity as a key measure for accelerating CBG evacuation and facilitating market access for CBG producers. The CBG Division proposes facilitating pipeline connectivity from CBG production plants to CGD networks and coordinating with pipeline operators, CGD entities, CBG developers, OMCs and State authorities to expedite the process.
The proposed measures include monitoring the progress of pipeline connectivity and facilitating coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely development of infrastructure. The initiative is intended to improve the integration of CBG production facilities with the existing natural gas infrastructure.
The Board also proposes developing a GIS-based mapping platform for CBG infrastructure and integrating it with the National Hydrocarbon Management Information System (“NHMIS”). The proposed platform is intended to support infrastructure planning and facilitate the public dissemination of information relating to CBG infrastructure.
1.3. CGD-to-CGD Connectivity and Infrastructure Sharing
The Action Plan proposes initiating CGD-to-CGD connectivity to improve the reach and utilisation of natural gas infrastructure. The Authorisation Division proposes reviewing the CGD Authorisation Regulations to facilitate such connectivity, rationalise tariffs and enable infrastructure sharing.
The Board also proposes defining the modalities for third-party access (“TPA”) and reviewing the regulatory framework governing CGD infrastructure. These measures are intended to address connectivity and access requirements between CGD networks and facilitate the utilisation of shared infrastructure.
1.4. Conceptualisation of a National Product Pipeline Grid
The Board proposes conceptualising a National Product Pipeline Grid to improve the resilience and efficiency of petroleum product transportation and logistics.
The Action Plan envisages identifying high-volume petroleum product movement corridors and encouraging OMCs, private sector participants and refineries to promote pipeline-based transportation of petroleum products under a common carrier model.
The initiative is intended to facilitate a modal shift from road and rail transportation towards pipeline-based transportation. The Board also proposes reviewing the NGPL Authorisation Regulations to assess the feasibility of Capex-based bidding.
The Action Plan identifies competition and transparency in petroleum and natural gas infrastructure as important areas for regulatory intervention. The proposed measures are intended to facilitate access to infrastructure, improve the visibility of available capacity and examine the institutional arrangements governing transportation and marketing activities.
2.1. Third-Party Access to Existing Infrastructure
The Authorisation Division proposes enabling competition and capital investment by third parties in geographical areas (“GAs”) where pipeline and infrastructure exclusivity has expired.
The Action Plan also proposes defining TPA modalities and improving the visibility of infrastructure capacity. These measures are intended to facilitate access to existing infrastructure and enable participation by third parties, particularly in areas where exclusivity periods have expired.
The proposed review of the CGD Authorisation Regulations is also expected to address infrastructure sharing, tariff rationalisation and connectivity between CGD networks.
2.2. Unbundling of Functions and Independent Transmission System Operator
The Action Plan proposes examining the unbundling of functions in petroleum and natural gas infrastructure and exploring the creation of an Independent Transmission System Operator (“TSO”).
The Strategic Planning Division has also proposed analysing the non-separation of transportation and marketing activities in the PNG sector and undertaking a study on institutional restructuring for efficient hydrocarbon transportation infrastructure.
The proposed initiatives contemplate an examination of the institutional and operational arrangements governing transportation and marketing activities, including their implications for infrastructure access and competition.
The Action Plan also identifies reviews of the CGD Common Carrier Guiding Principles Regulations, CGD Capacity Determination Regulations, CGD Access Code Regulations and CGD Exclusivity Regulations.
The Commercial Division has identified tariff determination, gas exchange reforms and the development of a more integrated tariff framework as key priorities for 2026–27. The proposed measures are intended to improve transparency and efficiency in commercial arrangements and tariff-related regulatory processes.
3.1. Progressive Movement Towards “One Nation, One Tariff”
The Action Plan proposes a progressive transition towards “One Nation, One Tariff”, with the objective of ensuring uniformity in tariffs and eliminating regional disparities for consumers across the country.
The Board also proposes evaluating the Entry-Exit Tariff methodology and reviewing the treatment of replacement costs upon completion of the economic life of pipeline assets.
In addition, the Action Plan proposes including isolated pipelines within the ambit of the Unified Tariff framework. These initiatives contemplate a review of the existing tariff framework, including the treatment of isolated pipelines and the methodology used for tariff determination.
3.2. Digitalisation and Automated Tariff Determination
The Board proposes introducing automated tariff determination to enhance transparency, accuracy and efficiency in regulatory processes.
The IT Division is also expected to develop a Tariff Computation System for the accurate and transparent calculation of natural gas pipeline tariffs in accordance with PNGRB regulations.
The proposed digitalisation is intended to support tariff computation through automated systems and improve the management of tariff-related information.
3.3. Gas Exchange Reforms and Introduction of New Trading Products
The Action Plan proposes introducing new products and contractual arrangements on gas exchanges, including CBG trading and Long Duration Contracts (“LDCs”).
The Board also proposes enabling the booking of regasification capacity for Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (“RLNG”) through the Indian Gas Exchange (“IGX”) platform and providing a platform for LNG trading.
Further, the Action Plan proposes exploring the possibility of trading petroleum and petroleum products on the IGX platform.
These initiatives are intended to facilitate the examination of additional trading products and contractual arrangements, as well as the use of digital platforms for gas-related commercial transactions.
The Consumer Affairs Division has identified consumer protection, service quality and grievance redressal as key areas of focus for 2026–27. The proposed initiatives are intended to strengthen service obligations, improve complaint resolution mechanisms and enhance consumer awareness.
4.1. Proposed Customer Protection Regulation
The Action Plan proposes introducing a Customer Protection Regulation applicable to authorised entities. The proposed framework is intended to address service obligations, billing standards, metering guidelines and complaint redressal timelines.
The Board also proposes introducing third-party customer satisfaction surveys, mystery audits, customer forums and public consultations to assess service quality.
These measures are intended to strengthen the framework for monitoring service delivery and addressing consumer grievances in the natural gas sector. The proposed regulation may provide a more structured framework for assessing service quality and monitoring compliance by authorised entities.
4.2. Integrated Online Consumer Complaint Portal
The Board proposes launching an integrated digital PNGRB Consumer Portal to facilitate the registration, tracking and resolution of consumer grievances.
The proposed portal is intended to include multilingual support, automatic escalation of complaints where responses are delayed, and dashboards for performance monitoring.
The initiative is intended to provide consumers with a centralised digital platform for grievance redressal and facilitate the Board’s monitoring of complaint resolution.
4.3. Customer Education and Outreach
The Action Plan proposes undertaking consumer awareness campaigns concerning safe gas usage, meter reading, understanding bills and consumer rights.
The proposed outreach initiatives include television, radio, social media and local community engagement.
The Board also identifies the creation of LPG-free zones in colonies and wards, canvassing for the issuance of CGD policies in States to stimulate PNG demand, and outreach to statutory bodies and State agencies to facilitate infrastructure development.
These initiatives are intended to improve consumer awareness, encourage the adoption of PNG and facilitate coordination with relevant public authorities.
4.4. Exploration of an Independent Ombudsman Mechanism
The Action Plan proposes exploring the feasibility of establishing an independent Ombudsman Office to handle escalated consumer complaints and facilitate impartial resolution. The proposal is currently framed as an examination of feasibility.
The Technical and Legal Divisions have proposed a series of initiatives intended to strengthen safety oversight, technical compliance and supply security across the petroleum and natural gas sector.
5.1. Strengthening the Auditing Framework
The Technical Division proposes strengthening the auditing system through the introduction of an auditor certification mechanism, the development of a Third-Party Inspection Agency (“TPIA”) rating system, and major amendments to the TPCA Regulations.
The proposed measures are intended to strengthen the auditing and inspection framework applicable to the sector.
The Action Plan also proposes conducting skill development courses across India and preparing an annual training calendar, including safety awareness initiatives for contract workers.
5.2. Enhancement of Technical Standards and Specifications, Including Safety Standards
The Board proposes undertaking a gap analysis of the Technical Standards and Specifications, including Safety Standards (“T4S”), against standards adopted in developed countries with more efficient standards and safety records.
The stated objective is to identify areas for improvement and enhance the existing T4S standards.
The Action Plan also identifies the assessment of automation, digitalisation and Internet of Things (“IoT”) adoption in CGD operations, safety management and project execution methodologies.
The proposed initiatives may result in further examination of the technical and safety requirements applicable to regulated entities.
5.3. Formulation of Supply-Security Regulations
The Technical Division proposes formulating regulations on supply security by incorporating supply-security provisions into the existing regulatory framework.
The initiative forms part of the Board’s proposed measures to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the petroleum and natural gas sector.
5.4. Regulations Governing Road Movement of LPG
The Legal Division proposes introducing regulations to govern the road movement of LPG to ensure safety.
The Action Plan separately identifies the development of a pipeline connectivity framework for LPG bottling plants with the nearest available LPG source.
These initiatives form part of the Board’s broader approach to safety in petroleum transportation and infrastructure logistics. The proposed regulations are intended to address safety in LPG road movement.
5.5. Regulations for Investigating Officers
The Legal Division proposes formulating regulations for investigating officers, as envisaged under Section 26 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (“PNGRB Act”).
The Action Plan identifies the development of a regulatory and institutional framework for Renewable Gas Certificates (“RGCs”) as a key initiative for the CBG sector.
6.1. Proposed Renewable Gas Certificate Framework
The CBG Division proposes developing a digital platform and institutional framework for the issuance, trading, tracking, redemption and compliance monitoring of RGCs.
The proposed initiative is intended to establish a framework for the administration and management of renewable gas certificates associated with CBG.
6.2. Acceleration of CBG Evacuation and Market Access
The Board proposes accelerating CBG evacuation and market access through pipeline-based connectivity.
The CBG Division is expected to facilitate pipeline connectivity, monitor its progress and coordinate with CGD entities, CBG developers, OMCs and State authorities for expeditious infrastructure development.
The initiative is intended to facilitate the integration of CBG production facilities with existing infrastructure and improve market access.
6.3. GIS-Based Mapping and Public Dissemination of CBG Information
The Action Plan proposes creating a unified geospatial platform for CBG infrastructure and integrating it with NHMIS.
The platform is intended to support infrastructure planning and the public dissemination of CBG infrastructure information.
The Board also proposes publishing periodic reports, best practices and guidance documents concerning CBG connectivity and market development. A comprehensive database is proposed to be established and placed in the public domain.
These measures are intended to facilitate access to infrastructure-related information and support planning and coordination among stakeholders.
The Sustainability Division has proposed initiatives aimed at monitoring greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainability-related regulatory interventions in the petroleum and natural gas sector.
7.1. Monitoring of GHG Emissions
The Action Plan proposes developing a mechanism to monitor GHG emissions in the CGD and NGPL segments.
The Board also proposes developing an online system through which regulated entities can submit relevant data, enabling the tracking and monitoring of GHG emissions.
The proposed system is intended to support the collection and monitoring of emissions-related information from regulated entities.
7.2. Evaluation of Electricity-Based Compressors
The Sustainability Division proposes evaluating the feasibility and impact of using electricity-based compressors in place of gas-based compressors.
The initiative is intended to examine the potential implications of alternative compressor technologies for energy efficiency and sustainability in the natural gas sector.
7.3. Regulatory Impact Assessment and Sustainability Studies
The Action Plan identifies the undertaking of a Regulatory Impact Assessment Study as part of the Sustainability Division’s proposed work programme.
The Board also proposes conducting a comprehensive study of national and international sustainability initiatives in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on the role of regulators.
These initiatives are intended to support the assessment of sustainability-related measures and inform future regulatory considerations.
7.4. Energy Efficiency in Petroleum Logistics
The Board proposes analysing the energy consumed by different OMCs in delivering petroleum products to consumers within the same region.
The stated objective is to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and delivery costs.
The Action Plan also envisages studies on project cost benchmarking, regasification charges and the economics of non-separation of transportation and marketing activities in the PNG sector.
The Hydrogen Cell, functioning under the Coordination Division, has identified hydrogen transportation through pipelines and the blending of hydrogen with natural gas as key areas of focus for 2026–27.
The Action Plan proposes establishing preparedness for hydrogen transportation and blending, including capacity building concerning hydrogen safety, standards, operations and regulatory requirements.
The Board also proposes engaging with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (“MNRE”), the National Green Hydrogen Mission (“NGHM”) and other stakeholders, including through participation in the National Hydrogen Safety Panel to incorporate safety-related inputs and learnings.
8.1. Hydrogen Pilot Projects and Technical Guidance
The Action Plan proposes finalising and monitoring hydrogen pilot projects and consolidating the learnings for regulatory and technical guidance.
The initiative is intended to facilitate the assessment of hydrogen transportation and blending through pipeline infrastructure and support the development of relevant technical and regulatory preparedness.
8.2. National Hydrogen Portal and Data Repository
The Board proposes operationalising the National Hydrogen Portal and Data Repository for incident reporting, pipeline readiness assessment and knowledge management.
The proposed platform is intended to support the collection and management of information relevant to hydrogen transportation and pipeline preparedness.
The Action Plan proposes strengthening PNGRB’s regulatory oversight through data-driven monitoring, digital platforms and improved information management. The proposed measures cover infrastructure monitoring, compliance verification, data collection, digitalisation of regulatory processes and cybersecurity.
9.1. Monitoring of Infrastructure Development and Compliance
The Monitoring Division proposes measures aimed at achieving 100% connectivity of geographical areas and districts, except hilly and far-flung GAs, through the identified scheme.
The proposed initiatives include establishing a mechanism for field inspections of GAs through third-party inspection agencies and analysing pipeline utilisation and capital expenditure through dashboards.
The Division also proposes automating the process for calling Performance Bank Guarantee (“PBG”) readiness, automating Force Majeure claims, and digitising and automating PNG registration.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen infrastructure monitoring, improve compliance oversight and facilitate more efficient regulatory processes.
9.2. Data Bank and Information System Regulations
The Statistics Division proposes notifying Data Bank and Information System Regulations.
The proposed work programme also covers the analysis of NGPL, Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline (“PPPL”) and CGD networks, webhosting of monthly, quarterly and annual data, and sector-wise natural gas demand forecasting in India.
The Action Plan further envisages the preparation of a metadata manual for statistical information received by PNGRB under existing regulations.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen the Board’s data repository and analytical capabilities and support data-driven regulatory decision-making.
9.3. Expansion of the National Hydrocarbon Infrastructure Monitoring System
The IT Division proposes expanding NHMIS for monitoring hydrocarbon infrastructure in India.
The proposed expansion is intended to begin with natural gas infrastructure, followed by petroleum and petroleum products and CGD networks.
The Action Plan also proposes developing a unified portal integrating various PNGRB applications into a centralised digital platform to improve data integrity and accessibility for stakeholders.
The proposed digital infrastructure is intended to support improved monitoring and accessibility of information relating to the petroleum and natural gas sector.
9.4. Baseline Cybersecurity Framework
The IT Division proposes establishing guidelines for a baseline cybersecurity framework applicable to regulated entities.
The Action Plan also envisages enhancing the Board’s data centre infrastructure to improve stakeholder experience and cybersecurity.
These initiatives contemplate an expansion of digital regulatory infrastructure alongside measures directed at cybersecurity and data management.
In addition to sector-specific reforms, the Action Plan identifies regulatory review, legal support, institutional capacity building and organisational restructuring as areas of focus.
10.1. Review of Existing Regulatory Frameworks
The Strategic Planning Division proposes reviewing, modifying or formulating regulatory frameworks concerning the following:
(a) Amendment of the Affiliate Code of Conduct Regulations, 2008;
(b) Advisory on confidentiality obligations and prohibition on misuse of insider or price-sensitive information;
(c) Review of NGPL, PPPL and CGD regulations relating to Section 22 of the PNGRB Act;
(d) Review of the CGD Common Carrier Guiding Principles Regulations, CGD Capacity Determination Regulations, CGD Access Code Regulations and CGD Exclusivity Regulations;
(e) Drafting of regulations for pipeline connectivity of LPG bottling plants with the nearest available LPG source;
(f) Regulatory amendments for ensuring capacity booking in PPPL; and
(g) Analysis of the non-separation of transportation and marketing activities in the PNG sector.
The Action Plan also identifies a review of the CGD Authorisation Regulations and NGPL Authorisation Regulations, including the assessment of Capex-based bidding.
10.2. Legal and Regulatory Governance
The Legal Division proposes reviewing the PNGRB Conduct of Business Regulations, 2007 and the PNGRB Levy of Fee Regulations pertaining to judicial proceedings.
The Division is also expected to assess the impact of outcomes of PNGRB’s judicial functions and facilitate knowledge sharing concerning legal and sectoral developments.
The Action Plan further proposes assisting other divisions in identifying documents to be sought or obtained from regulated entities under Section 52 of the PNGRB Act, 2006, to facilitate the effective discharge of regulatory functions.
The Division is also expected to advise other divisions on suitable measures to balance consumer interests with the compliance burden on regulated entities.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen the legal and regulatory support available to the Board in discharging its functions.
10.3. Institutional Capacity Building and Human Resource Development
The Administration Division proposes establishing a PNGRB cadre of Regulatory Officers and Commercial Officers.
The Action Plan also envisages institutionalising a capacity-building calendar for technical, administrative, commercial and legal competencies.
Other proposed initiatives include:
(a) Establishment of regional offices at Kolkata, Chandigarh and Chennai;
(b) Online recruitment and electronic Board induction; and
(c) Introduction of a smart-office concept, including a paperless office, reduction of plastic footprints and green human resource initiatives.
The Strategic Planning Division also proposes drafting regulations concerning the deployment of skilled manpower in the petroleum and natural gas sector, including provisions for upskilling and benchmarking new skills and National Occupational Standards.
These measures are intended to strengthen the Board’s institutional capacity and support the development of technical, commercial, administrative and legal expertise.
The Action Plan also identifies additional initiatives concerning knowledge dissemination, stakeholder coordination, regulatory analytics and organisational efficiency.
11.1. Knowledge Dissemination and Stakeholder Coordination
The Coordination Division proposes organising flagship PNGRB events for knowledge dissemination, accompanied by the publication of knowledge papers, study papers, technical papers and white papers.
The Division also proposes ensuring timely and quality responses to parliamentary queries and operationalising a Parliamentary Question Management System and Repository.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen coordination among the Board’s divisions and improve the management and dissemination of sectoral knowledge.
11.2. PNGRB Excellence Recognition Programme
The Statistics Division proposes continuing the PNGRB award programme for overall performance excellence, safety, Minimum Work Programme implementation, infrastructure development acceleration and consumer redressal.
The initiative is intended to recognise performance across identified areas of the petroleum and natural gas sector.
11.3. Cross-Functional Analytics and Knowledge Repository
The Statistics Division proposes providing integrated analytics support for data-driven decision-making across PNGRB.
The Action Plan also envisages the preparation of a metadata manual for statistical information received by the Board under existing regulations.
The Monitoring Division separately proposes creating a centralised knowledge repository and best-practices framework, including a study of best practices for monitoring natural gas, petroleum and petroleum product pipelines.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen the Board’s information management and analytical capabilities.
The PNGRB Action Plan for 2026–27 identifies several areas that may be relevant to entities operating in or seeking to participate in the petroleum and natural gas sector.
Pipeline and CGD entities: The proposed reviews concerning CGD connectivity, infrastructure sharing, TPA, tariff rationalisation, capacity determination and exclusivity may be relevant to infrastructure access, network operations and future regulatory requirements.
CBG producers and developers: The proposed CBG connectivity measures, GIS-based infrastructure mapping and RGC framework may be relevant to pipeline access, market development and the future administration of renewable gas certificates.
OMCs, refineries and petroleum logistics participants: The proposed National Product Pipeline Grid, common carrier model and energy-efficiency studies may be relevant to petroleum product transportation and logistics planning.
Natural gas consumers and authorised entities: The proposed Customer Protection Regulation and integrated complaint portal may have implications for service obligations, billing, metering and grievance redressal processes.
LNG, gas trading and infrastructure participants: The proposed gas exchange reforms and tariff reviews may be relevant to commercial arrangements, regasification capacity booking and the treatment of transportation costs.
Hydrogen and sustainability stakeholders: The proposed hydrogen pilot projects, pipeline readiness assessment, GHG monitoring and sustainability studies may inform future regulatory and technical developments.
Regulated entities generally: The proposed cybersecurity framework, enhanced technical standards, auditing reforms and data reporting initiatives may be relevant to future compliance and operational requirements, subject to the specific regulations and guidelines that may subsequently be introduced.
The PNGRB Action Plan for 2026–27 sets out a comprehensive programme of proposed regulatory, infrastructure, commercial and institutional initiatives across the petroleum and natural gas sector. The identified measures address infrastructure expansion, third-party access, tariff reforms, consumer protection, safety, renewable gas, sustainability, hydrogen transportation and digital regulatory oversight.
The Action Plan also reflects the Board’s proposed focus on reviewing existing regulatory frameworks, improving infrastructure utilisation, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and developing institutional and digital capabilities.
For industry stakeholders, the Action Plan provides an indication of the areas in which PNGRB proposes to undertake regulatory reviews, develop new frameworks and strengthen its monitoring and institutional capabilities during 2026–27.
