Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: Aiming to eliminate bulk transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through roads by 2030, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has initiated the bidding process for new pipeline infrastructure connecting refineries, import terminals and bottling plants. The regulator Friday said that the proposed pipelines are designed to connect key supply sources, including refineries and import terminals, with LPG bottling plants to ensure seamless evacuation and distribution across regions. These pipelines would also act as storage during times of need and help address supply security concerns in the country. The PNGRB said that a total of nine LPG pipeline projects have been identified under the initiative. The regulator has initiated bids on a suo motu basis and is currently in the process of concluding bid proposals for four pipelines — Cherlapally-Nagpur, Shikrapur-Hubli-Goa, Paradip-Raipur and Jhansi-Sitarganj. The cumulative length of the proposed pipeline network will be around 2,500 km, covering key regions across the country, with an estimated investment of around Rs 12,500 crore. At present, India has an LPG pipeline network of a little over 8,000 km, indicating a significant scale-up in infrastructure under the new plan. The modal shift to pipelines would reduce risks associated with tanker movement and ensure safer and more dependable delivery. “The project would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to India’s climate goals by replacing fuel transportation via tankers with an efficient pipeline system. It is expected to enable seamless, high-volume LPG movement with reduced transit time and minimal losses, improve safety and efficiency in the supply chain, and would prove to be more economical over other modes of transportation,” the PNGRB said.
