Govt eases compliance burden to increase oil and gas output

India, which is keen on raising domestic output of oil and gas to cut dependence on energy imports, has trimmed compliance burdens for exploration and production (E&P) activities from the existing 37 types of requirements to 18 with 50% approvals needing self-certification, two officials familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The move is in line with the government’s ease of doing business policy, which aims at promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India). The government is continuously making efforts to make E&P activities hassle-free as regulatory hurdles have been cited as one of the main reasons for lack of investors’ interest in Indian sedimentary basins, the government officials said requesting anonymity.