New Delhi (NVI): In an effort to transform India into a gas-based economy, the government is providing Rs. 10,500 crore viability gap funding for laying pipeline in Eastern and Northeastern India for the first time, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dhamendra Pradhan said.
Speaking during the the national conclave on emerging opportunities in natural gas sector here today, Pradhan said the gas pipeline network in Eastern and North-Eastern India will be ready from Kutch to Kohima and Kashmir to Kochi.
He also said that 4 lakh crore rupees worth of investment is likely to be made in such projects which is a challenge as well as an opportunity.
“The sources of import have been diversified and the government is holding discussions with gas-exporting countries for getting more gas on favourable terms,” he said.
He also informed the present share of gas in the energy basket of the country is 6.2 per cent and the target is to take it to 15 per cent by 2030.
“The world average is 24 per cent while within the country, the Gujarat has 26 per cent share of gas based energy,” he said.
“The domestic gas production is likely to increase in the current financial year to 34.55 billion cubic metre,” he added.
“Pricing and LNG marketing freedoms have been given to gas producers, LNG terminal capacity is being augmented and national gas grid is being developed,” he said.
“CBG is a great initiative which has the potential to generate wealth from waste, provide employment, protect the environment, and give boost to the economy,” he said.
Calling upon the states to fully cooperate and support the gas infrastructure activities and projects, Minister said that ministry of petroleum and natural gas has prepared a draft Policy of City Gas Distribution (CGD), which may be adopted by states to facilitate such activities.
“PNGRB is likely to soon start bid round 11 for CGD and States make like to give suggestions in identification of geographical areas,” he said.
He called upon the states to adopt qualification packs developed by Hydrocarbon Sector Council in their Vocational Training Institutes.
He also called upon the States to actively promote CNG usage in State transportation and mining sector.
Pradhan called upon all the entities who have bagged CGD rounds to not delay their work and immediately start action. He also called upon PNGRB to strictly monitor the progress.
Pradhan also announced that Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) will have a Help Desk for holding any future interaction with all stakeholders. He assured full support to all the stakeholders who are part of the gas based supply chain.
