New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), India’s leading oil and gas company, has received an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating report from ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Limited (ESGRisk.ai). The company clarified that this report was not commissioned by ONGC and was prepared independently by ESGRisk.ai, without consultation or input from the corporation.
ONGC continues to prioritize sustainability through its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR), which is reasonably assured by Bureau Veritas, reflecting its commitment to transparency, environmental protection, and responsible business practices. The disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and communicated to both BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India.
Understanding ONGC’s ESG Rating
The ESG report assigns ONGC an overall score of 49, categorized as ‘Adequate’. The rating evaluates three primary pillars:
- Environment: 45.47
- Social: 67.01
- Governance: 36.02
The assessment highlights the company’s strong performance in human rights, employment quality, and community engagement, while also identifying areas for improvement in governance and operational safety.
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Strengths Highlighted in the ESG Report
The report emphasizes ONGC’s key strengths, including:
- Commitment to ISO 50001 energy management and ISO 14001 environmental standards
- Strong focus on community development and social responsibility
- Effective measures to protect human rights and workforce welfare
These factors reinforce ONGC’s position as a socially responsible organization and contribute to its positive ESG profile.
Governance Challenges and Material Events
While ONGC performed well in environmental and social metrics, the governance pillar reflected certain challenges, including:
- Instances of bribery and corruption investigations
- Occupational health and safety incidents during 2025–26
- Points deduction totaling 12.88 in the overall ESG score due to material events
ONGC regards these findings as a benchmark to enhance operational risk management, transparency, and corporate governance across its operations.
ONGC’s Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability
Despite the independent ESG assessment, ONGC continues to strengthen its sustainability framework. The company’s BRSR, verified by Bureau Veritas, underlines ongoing efforts in:
- Environmental conservation and climate resilience
- Social welfare and community development programs
- Robust governance practices aligned with SEBI and global ESG standards
About ONGC
ONGC, a Maharatna PSU under the Government of India, is India’s flagship oil and gas company, engaged in exploration, production, and development of hydrocarbons. The corporation is committed to sustainable business practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility while contributing significantly to India’s energy security.
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