Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has been directed by the National Green Tribunal to pay Rs 1 crore as environmental compensation for failing to meet prescribed timelines for installing Vapour Recovery Systems at its storage facilities. The tribunal's order, received on April 7, 2026, upheld the Central Pollution Control Board's earlier directions despite the company's appeal.

Regulatory Action and Timeline

The Central Pollution Control Board had initially directed BPCL to install Vapour Recovery Systems at its storage locations by March 2024. When the company failed to meet this deadline, CPCB imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 1 crore under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Legal Proceedings and Outcome

BPCL had filed an appeal with the National Green Tribunal seeking to quash and set aside the CPCB's directions. However, the tribunal rejected the company's plea and asked BPCL to comply with the pollution control board's directions. The order was received on April 7, 2026, following a judgment delivered on March 25, 2026.

The regulatory action stems from CPCB directions issued on multiple dates, including September 18, 2020, November 11, 2024, and July 23, 2025, all related to the installation of Vapour Recovery Systems within specified timelines.

Compliance Status and Impact

Despite the delayed timeline, BPCL has confirmed that Vapour Recovery Systems have been installed at all 41 storage locations as mandated by CPCB. The installation was completed by March 2025, approximately one year after the original March 2024 deadline.

According to the company's disclosure, the environmental compensation payment will have no material impact on its financial, operational, or other activities. The Rs 1 crore penalty represents the monetary consequence for the delayed compliance with environmental regulations.

Regulatory Framework

The case highlights the enforcement of environmental compliance under India's regulatory framework. Vapour Recovery Systems are critical environmental safety measures designed to capture and control vapour emissions at petroleum storage facilities, helping reduce air pollution and environmental impact.

Bharat Petroleum has announced the opening of a special window for transfer and dematerialisation of physical securities, providing investors with an opportunity to convert their physical share certificates into electronic form. This initiative aims to facilitate shareholders who hold physical securities that were traded before the mandatory dematerialisation deadline.

Special Window Details

The company has established this facility in accordance with SEBI Circular No. HO/38/13/11(2)2026-MIRSD-POD/I/3750/2026 dated January 30, 2026. The special window addresses the needs of investors holding physical securities that were sold or purchased prior to April 01, 2019.

Transfer Process and Requirements

During the special window period, all securities lodged for transfer will be credited to the transferee exclusively in dematerialised mode. The company will follow due process for such transfer-cum-demat requests to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The company will consider lodgement of legally valid and complete documentation where there is no dispute on ownership. This ensures that legitimate shareholders can access their rightful securities without complications.

Investor Assistance and Contact Information

Investors seeking to utilise this facility can submit their requests through the company's Registrar & Share Transfer Agent. The designated RTA is M/s. KFin Technologies Limited, Unit: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, located at Selenium Tower B, Plot 31 & 32, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad - 500 032.

Regulatory Compliance

This initiative represents Bharat Petroleum's commitment to regulatory compliance and investor service. The special window aligns with SEBI's broader efforts to promote dematerialisation of securities and reduce risks associated with physical share certificates.

The company has published newspaper advertisements in Times of India (all editions) and Maharashtra Times on April 07, 2026, to inform shareholders about this facility. Additional information is available on the company's website at the dedicated investor services section.

This special window provides a valuable opportunity for eligible shareholders to regularise their holdings and ensure seamless access to their securities in electronic form.