August 22, 2026: Tightening safety and accountability norms, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has made it mandatory for oil and gas companies to fix responsibility for major incidents and lapses at senior level and take action against those found responsible.

Response and Disaster Management Plan (ERDMP) regulations notified recently, entities will have to submit an explanation for lapses or violations that led to an accident within three months of the final incident investigation report, besides setting up an internal committee to determine responsibility and accountability. The committee of senior officials will have to be formed within a month of the final investigation report and will have five months to submit its report to the company’s director.

Companies will then have to take disciplinary or administrative action against employees, contractors or agencies found responsible within three months of the committee’s report.

“Constitute an internal committee to fix responsibility for each major incident and accountability for lapses or violations, at appropriate levels including senior officials of entity…” the notification stated.

(Source: TOI)