MoPNG proposes changes in law to include hydrogen in mineral oil

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has proposed amendments to the existing law to incorporate cleaner sources of energy such as hydrogen in the definition of mineral oils, for which the government gives out licences to explore and produce. According to the MoPNG, the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2021, proposes to amend the present act to create opportunities for the exploration, development and production of next-generation cleaner fuels; and mitigate regulatory challenges and risks.