India withholds Russian oil import data under RTI, citing confidentiality
Govt withholds Russian oil import data under RTI, cites confidentiality
Business Standard
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The Indian government has denied a Right to Information (RTI) request for details on crude oil imports from Russia, citing confidentiality and strategic interests. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell stated that while total import values are available, company-specific data is exempt under the RTI Act.
- 01The Indian government cites confidentiality for withholding Russian oil import data.
- 02The RTI request sought details from June 2022 to June 2025.
- 03The Central Information Commission supported the government's stance.
- 04The PPAC is required to improve transparency in its disclosures.
- 05A penalty notice was issued for the absence of a PPAC official during the hearing.
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The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has refused to disclose details regarding crude oil imports from Russia, citing the information's 'commercial and confidential' nature. This decision follows a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking data from June 2022 to June 2025, including a breakdown by companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Reliance Industries, and others. The Central Information Commission upheld the PPAC's decision, stating that revealing this data could harm India's strategic and economic interests and its relations with foreign states. While the total quantity and value of crude oil imports can be accessed on the PPAC website, the Commission has directed the PPAC to enhance its transparency by improving disclosures regarding its operations and employee remuneration, as mandated by the RTI Act. Additionally, a show-cause notice was issued to a PPAC official for their absence during the hearing, questioning the lack of compliance with RTI regulations.
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This decision limits public access to information about India's oil imports, potentially affecting transparency in the energy sector.
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