Arun Kumar Singh Gets One-Year Extension as ONGC Chairman

Arun Kumar Singh Receives One-Year Extension as ONGC Chairman, Ensuring Leadership Stability

Arun Kumar Singh has been granted a rare one-year extension as chairman and CEO of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), allowing him to serve until 6 December 2026 . The move highlights the government’s emphasis on maintaining leadership continuity as the country’s largest upstream oil and gas producer undergoes a notable revival in output and operational performance.

Unusual Extension Reflects Strategic Priorities

Singh’s tenure was first unusual when he assumed office in 2022 just before turning 60—after relaxation of the age criteria for the post. His latest extension, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet , keeps him in charge until a full-time chairman is selected or further directions are issued. The government’s decision underlines the need for stability during a critical phase of ONGC’s production resurgence.

Leadership Linked to Production Recovery

Under Singh’s stewardship, ONGC has reversed years of declining crude oil and natural gas output. A major achievement has been securing a technical collaboration with BP to support the revival of the ageing Mumbai High fields , which are expected to see production gains in the coming year. Singh also oversaw the start of output from the KG-DWN-98/2 block in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, one of India’s largest deepwater developments.

Search for a Permanent Chairman Still Underway

Although the government constituted a search-cum-selection committee under the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) and invited applications earlier in 2025, interviews have yet to be held. ONGC has faced prolonged leadership vacancies in recent years, making continuity particularly important while key projects gather momentum.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Arun Kumar Singh extended as ONGC chairman until 6 December 2026 .

• Former CMD of BPCL , joined ONGC in December 2022 .

• Age limit for ONGC chairman post relaxed to 60 years .

• ONGC–BP collaboration aims to revive Mumbai High production.

Experience That Strengthens Upstream Reforms

A mechanical engineer from NIT Patna , Singh brings nearly four decades of expertise across retail, LPG, pipelines, exploration assets and international operations. His extended leadership is expected to support ONGC’s long-term production revival strategy, accelerate structural reforms, and strengthen India’s upstream energy security.