Hardeep Puri hails Assam Hydrocarbon Policy as landmark initiative; policy comes into force

Guwahati: The Assam Hydrocarbon Exploration, Production and Upstream Ecosystem Development Policy, 2026 came into force on Friday, with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri hailing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening India’s energy security and advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an energy self-reliant India.

Welcoming the policy, Puri said the initiative would put the Northeast on the path of fast-paced development while helping unlock Assam’s untapped hydrocarbon potential.

“Assam, which gave birth to India’s petroleum industry, now stands ready to power the next chapter of India’s energy journey towards Aatmanirbharta,” Puri said in a post on X.


The Union Minister thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for leading the initiative and said the policy would attract investment and accelerate exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the State.

Investor-friendly framework

The policy seeks to create an investor-friendly framework by facilitating clearances, reducing procedural hurdles and encouraging the adoption of advanced exploration technologies. These measures are aimed at accelerating the development of discoveries and creating a more conducive business environment for oil and gas companies.

Also read | The next war nobody wants: Can Israel and Turkey avoid a conflict?

The policy is expected to help boost domestic energy production and strengthen India’s energy security while creating significant direct and indirect employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled youth.

It will also contribute to greater economic activity in Assam and further strengthen the State’s role in meeting India’s growing energy requirements.

Policy to remain in force for 10 years

The Assam Hydrocarbon Exploration, Production and Upstream Ecosystem Development Policy, 2026 shall remain in force for a period of 10 years from the date of notification, unless modified, superseded or withdrawn earlier by the Government.

Also read | Banks ride RBI swap to raise $12 bn from overseas

The policy marks an important step in Assam’s efforts to build on its historic position in India’s petroleum sector and establish a modern, competitive and investment-friendly upstream ecosystem.

CM thanks Puri

Responding to Puri’s post, Chief Minister Sarma thanked the Union Minister for his appreciation and said Assam was determined to build on its legacy in hydrocarbon exploration through continuous innovation.

“Assam’s first mover advantage in hydrocarbon exploration gave us a head start, but we don’t intend to rest on it - continuous innovation is what will keep us ahead,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister said Assam was determined to build on its hydrocarbon legacy and ensure that the State plays a contributory role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.