Domestic crude oil producers get marketing freedom, exports not allowed

According to a government statement, this move shall ensure marketing freedom for all exploration and production (E&P) operators

In a move that may boost the Indian hydrocarbon industry and bring more investments into the sector, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to give marketing freedom to domestic crude oil producers, allowing them to sell petroleum to any company in the local market.

The move is set to be beneficial for major crude oil producers, such as state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India, and private sector majors like Vedanta’s Cairn Oil and Gas and Reliance Industries.

As of May 31, India was dependent on imports for 86 per cent of its crude oil consumption; domestic production sufficed