At present, the government has accorded highest priority in domestic gas supply to City Gas Distribution (CGD) for distribution to domestic household (cooking purpose-PNG domestic) and transport segment (CNG).The industrial and commercial users of CGD network also consume market determined price gas including LNG based on their respective techno commercial consideration.

At present there is no cross country LNG Pipelines in the country. However, transportation of natural gas through pipelines is an economical and safer mode of transportation and necessary safety measures including use of technology are to be taken by the implementing agency. Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), under the PNGRB Act, 2006, has notified Technical and Safety Regulations for Natural Gas Pipelines in line with the various national/ international standards and the authorized pipeline entity are bound to comply the standards/specifications as provided under notified Regulations.

The share of natural gas in primary energy mix is envisaged to increase to 15% by 2030 by boosting domestic production and procuring LNG.LNG imports are under Open General Licensing (OGL) category and establishment of LNG infrastructure, including LNG terminals is also under 100% FDI (automatic route).Market of natural gas is being created by expansion of gas infrastructure including City Gas Distribution, Gas Grid Network and establishment of LNG retail outlets.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified LNG as transport fuel. LNG Terminals/Pipelines/City Gas Distribution Networks are being established to expand gas market.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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YK/SK