India Refuses RTI Request for Russian Oil Import Data Citing Confidentiality
India denies RTI on Russia oil import data, cites strategic and commercial confidentiality
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Indian government has denied a Right to Information (RTI) request for details on crude oil imports from Russia, citing strategic and commercial confidentiality. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell stated that such data could affect the country's economic interests and foreign relations.
- 01India's RTI request for Russian oil import data was denied.
- 02The denial is based on the RTI Act's exemptions for commercial and strategic information.
- 03The Central Information Commission supported the denial, emphasizing national interests.
- 04The PPAC was reprimanded for not attending the hearing.
- 05The Commission called for improved transparency in public disclosures.
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The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of India has denied a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking details on crude oil imports from Russia, citing the commercial and confidential nature of the data. The request, which sought information from June 2022 to June 2025, included a breakdown by companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Reliance Industries. The Central Information Commission upheld the PPAC's decision, stating that disclosing the information could harm India's strategic and economic interests and affect foreign relations. The Commission also issued a show-cause notice to a PPAC official for their absence during the hearing and urged the authority to enhance transparency in its disclosures, including details about its organization and employee remuneration. The total quantity and value of crude oil imports can still be accessed on the PPAC website.
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The denial of this RTI request limits public access to information about India's oil imports, potentially affecting transparency in the energy sector.
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