India proposes decriminalizing some petroleum licence breaches and toughening penalties for serious offences

The Economic Times reports that India’s petroleum ministry is seeking public and industry comments on draft changes to the Petroleum Act. Licence-term breaches could draw civil penalties of up to Rs 2.5 crore for a first breach and Rs 5 crore for later breaches. Breaches that endanger public safety could still face criminal prosecution under other laws. Unlicensed petroleum activity could bring up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 25 crore, or both.