Sec. 551.2. Production and purchase reports

(a) Each person who first produces, sells, purchases, acquires, stores or transports oil and gas produced in the State must keep and maintain complete and accurate records of the amounts thereof. These records must be retained for five calendar years after the calendar year to which they pertain. True copies or duplicates must be kept or made available within the State for examination by the department at all reasonable times.

(b) Each person who first produces, sells or purchases oil and gas produced in the State and the operator of each gas storage facility in the State must file with the department on a form the department prescribes a statement of the oil and gas produced, sold, purchased or stored. The information contained in this statement must be compiled on a calendar year basis and must be filed no later than March 31st next following the close of the calendar year, unless the department requires otherwise.

(c)

(1) All records or reports and any information obtained under the provisions of this section are only for the confidential use of the department and other departments, agencies, and officers of the State government until six months after the period to which those records or reports apply, unless the person furnishing them expressly agrees to an earlier publication or availability to the general public.

(2) The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed to prevent the use of those records, reports or information by any department, agency or officer of the State government in compiling or publishing analyses or summaries relating to the general condition of the industry, the economy or the condition of the natural resources of the State, provided that those analyses or summaries do not involve the publication of records, reports or information relating to a single firm or business enterprise.