Dr. Neeraj Mittal Assumes Charge as Petroleum & Natural Gas Secretary
Former Telecom Secretary takes charge of key economic ministry amid energy transition and global market volatility
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in New Delhi today.
Dr. Mittal, who was earlier serving as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, takes over one of the most critical economic portfolios of the Government of India. He succeeds Pankaj Jain, who has been appointed Member Secretary of the Eighth Central Pay Commission.
Strategic Leadership Shift in the Energy Sector
Known for his reform-driven approach and emphasis on digital governance, Dr. Mittal brings extensive experience in public administration and technology-led transformation. His appointment comes at a crucial time when India is strengthening its energy security framework, pursuing petroleum policy reforms, and accelerating the transition towards cleaner and sustainable fuels.
As Petroleum Secretary, Dr. Mittal will oversee key policy areas including crude oil procurement strategies, natural gas pricing reforms, expansion of city gas distribution (CGD) networks, and coordination with major oil and gas public sector undertakings such as ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, and OIL India Limited as well as some other organizations related to MoPNG.
The appointment is being seen as a signal for:
- Accelerated reforms in petroleum and natural gas administration
- Stronger coordination between the Centre and oil PSUs
- Greater focus on digital transformation across the energy value chain
- Long-term strategic planning for India’s energy security
With global oil markets witnessing continued volatility and domestic energy demand on the rise, Dr. Neeraj Mittal’s leadership is expected to play a decisive role in shaping India’s petroleum and natural gas strategy in the coming years.
