ONGC under lens’s,ONGC’s Tendering Process, Amid Favouritism Allegations

(By Expert’s Opinions) : New Delhi,05/May/2025: Eyebrows have been raised by petroleum industry experts over the bidding and tendering processes managed by the top brass of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), with whispers of potential favouritism toward select vendors through opaque channels. Concerns are being voiced on the lack of transparency in the corporation’s procurement practices which could be enabling preferential treatment. This has cast a shadow over the integrity of its operations.

It is strongly felt that transparent price bands be published to protect the tendering process from potential manipulation. Such a step is considered vital to preventing collusion between bidders and internal stakeholders. By implementing clear price ranges, the influence of individuals who might prioritize personal or selective interests over the organization’s welfare would be curtailed, experts assert. Transparent pricing is also seen as a means to promote fair competition, deter deliberate underquoting, and ensure ONGC’s projects are executed effectively without jeopardling its financial stability or reputation.

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Despite ONGC’s vast expertise in the sector, the reluctance to adopt viable price bands in tenders has fueled much speculation. Industry observers are questioning why the corporation’s leadership has not embraced greater clarity in its bidding processes especially when ONGC is a PSU dealing with exchequer money. While no concrete evidence of misconduct has surfaced as yet, the perceived opacity continues to raise heckles about the corporation’s commitment to equitable practices.

ONGC’s management has been urged to address these issues swiftly to restore stakeholders confidence and reinforce its dedication to ethical governance. The adoption of transparent measures is viewed as a critical move to uphold the corporation’s operational integrity.

ONGC has been a leading government PSE which stands for Oil Security of India. These are troubled times with India’s neighbours breathing down its neck and even all out war being imminent. In such circumstances, it would be wise to not stray from the beaten path and not indulge in any practice which may even remotely impact the nation’s safety….To be Continued….