Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

September 14, 2026 10:12 AM

Incentive scheme aims to accelerate PNG connections, bring clean piped cooking gas to more Indian homes

India has stepped up efforts to expand access to clean and affordable cooking fuel with the launch of the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections, aimed at accelerating the growth of active domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the country. Launched on August 18, 2026, the scheme came into effect from September 1 and seeks to encourage City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities to connect more households to piped natural gas, while making better use of existing infras...

September 6, 2026 9:36 AM

US Strikes three Iranian Oil Tankers, including one near Kharg Island

US forces have said that they struck three Iranian crude oil tankers after IRGC launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships in regional waters. A statement by US CENTCOM said they disabled tanker Downy near Kharg Island, tanker Stark 1 near Jask and destroyed unladen tanker Kylo (also known as the Noxen), in the Gulf of Oman after directing its crew to abandon ship. The CENTCOM called the three Iranian crude oil tankers a part of a shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional prox...

August 6, 2026 11:59 PM

Cabinet approves Rs 23,731-crore GOBARdhan Scheme to scale up compressed biogas production

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme aims to transform India's vast organic waste resources into clean energy, rural livelihoods and economic growth. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "A vital step towards clean energy, rural prosperity and realising our collective dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat! The Cabinet has...

July 30, 2026 11:47 PM

Fact check: Government rebuts misconceptions on ethanol-blended petrol, cites scientific validation and field data

The Centre has issued a detailed clarification on the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, rebutting what it described as misleading claims circulating in the media and on social media regarding the use of E20 fuel. The government said the programme is backed by extensive scientific validation, real-world operating experience, industry data and consultations with automobile manufacturers and technical institutions. According to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), the rollout...

July 30, 2026 7:49 PM

E20 fuel rollout backed by scientific studies, no evidence of widespread vehicle damage: Petroleum Ministry

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday said the nationwide rollout of E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol) was carried out in a phased manner after extensive scientific validation and consultations with automobile manufacturers and technical institutions, asserting that there is no verified evidence of widespread engine damage or reduced vehicle life due to the use of higher ethanol blends. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas S...

July 25, 2026 3:59 PM

Spudding begins for first appraisal well in Mahanadi Offshore Basin, boosting India’s energy security push

India marked a significant milestone in its offshore energy exploration programme on Saturday with the commencement of drilling of the first appraisal well, MN-DWN18-1-HD, in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, a move aimed at strengthening domestic hydrocarbon production and reducing the country's dependence on energy imports. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri described the launch of the appraisal well as "the beginning of a new chapter in India's journey towards energy ...

July 24, 2026 4:12 PM

Government rules out immediate move beyond E20, reaffirms safety and benefits of ethanol-blended petrol

The government on Thursday clarified that it has taken no decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent, while reaffirming that E20 fuel is scientifically validated, safe for vehicles and has delivered substantial economic, environmental and energy security benefits. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said any future decision on introducing higher ethanol blends would be taken only after detailed scientific and t...

June 16, 2026 12:55 PM

Centre dismisses reports on proposed Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has categorically denied media reports suggesting that the government is pursuing a proposed deep-sea energy pipeline connecting India with Gulf nations, stating that no such project is currently under consideration. In an official clarification issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said it "has noticed a series of media reports suggesting that the Government of India is actively pursuing a deep-sea energy pipeline, sometimes referred to as the Middle...

June 7, 2026 3:56 PM

Indian households continue to pay among world’s lowest LPG prices despite global surge: Govt

Indian households continue to pay among the lowest prices for cooking gas globally, with domestic LPG rates remaining significantly below those in neighbouring countries and advanced economies despite a sharp rise in international energy prices, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Sunday. According to official data, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) effectively pay ₹642 for a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder after receiving a direct benefit transfer of ₹300 on the ...

June 5, 2026 11:32 AM

Hardeep Singh Puri holds talks with Venezuela’s Acting President, reaffirms strategic energy partnership

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez in New Delhi, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening energy cooperation with the South American nation amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions affecting global oil markets. The meeting, held on June 4, was attended by senior officials from the Petroleum Ministry and chairpersons of major public sector oil companies. Both sides explored opportuniti...