diff --git a/litellm/llms/oci/chat/transformation.py b/litellm/llms/oci/chat/transformation.py
index 1004408b23..915d2029af 100644
--- a/litellm/llms/oci/chat/transformation.py
+++ b/litellm/llms/oci/chat/transformation.py
@@ -255,7 +255,12 @@ class OCIChatConfig(BaseConfig):
         oci_key = optional_params.get("oci_key")
         oci_key_file = optional_params.get("oci_key_file")
 
-        if not oci_user or not oci_fingerprint or not oci_tenancy or not (oci_key or oci_key_file):
+        if (
+            not oci_user
+            or not oci_fingerprint
+            or not oci_tenancy
+            or not (oci_key or oci_key_file)
+        ):
             raise Exception(
                 "Missing required parameters: oci_user, oci_fingerprint, oci_tenancy, "
                 "and at least one of oci_key or oci_key_file."
@@ -304,11 +309,14 @@ class OCIChatConfig(BaseConfig):
         private_key = (
             load_private_key_from_str(oci_key)
             if oci_key
-            else load_private_key_from_file(oci_key_file)
-            if oci_key_file
-            else None
+            else load_private_key_from_file(oci_key_file) if oci_key_file else None
         )
 
+        if private_key is None:
+            raise Exception(
+                "Private key is required for OCI authentication. Please provide either oci_key or oci_key_file."
+            )
+
         signature = private_key.sign(
             signing_string.encode("utf-8"),
             padding.PKCS1v15(),