India to double its existing gas pipeline network

As part of the Indian government’s new Budget, which includes more scope for spending on infrastructure, the country is set to double its existing 15 000 km gas pipeline network. Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley stated that the use of piped natural gas (PNG) will be increased throughout the country: “We have at present about 15 000 km of gas pipeline systems in the country. In order to complete the gas grid across the country, an additional 15 000 km of pipelines are required.”

According to local reports, the Minister further stated that the Budget proposes to develop these pipelines using appropriate public-private-partnership models. “This will help increase the usage of gas, domestic as well as imported, which in the long-term will be beneficial in reducing dependence on any one energy source,” Jaitley continued.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, stated: “The Budget has given a direction to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. We are now on a mission mode to develop the gas grid.” Pradhan went on to note that the majority of investments will come in through the PPP mode. “Cities have to get PNG gas. There definitely should be more than one source of energy and we have to move towards being a gas based economy,” he said.

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

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