PNGRB Hosts Concluding Ceremony for 12th CGD Bidding Round

During the ceremony, Puri distributed Letters of Intent to successful bidders, acknowledging their efforts alongside MoPNG and PNGRB towards building a robust oil and gas infrastructure.

March 05, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) hosted a Concluding Ceremony for the 12th CGD Bidding Round, marking a significant stride towards achieving comprehensive coverage of the country's area for the development of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, inaugurated the event, which saw the presence of key stakeholders from the oil and gas sector along with successful bidders.

During the ceremony, Puri distributed Letters of Intent to successful bidders, acknowledging their efforts alongside MoPNG and PNGRB towards building a robust oil and gas infrastructure.

Highlighting the government's objective to invest INR 67 Billion in the natural gas sector over the next six years, Puri emphasized the importance of providing Natural Gas to consumers at stable prices, facilitated by recent policy and regulatory frameworks.

Minister Puri outlined the government's plans to triple Natural Gas consumption by 2030, reaching 500 MMSCMD, and promoting ancillary industries dependent on Natural Gas. He commended PNGRB for introducing Unified Tariff reform, particularly beneficial for customers in remote areas.

The 12th CGD Bidding Round covered 8 Geographical Areas, including 6 North East States and 2 Union Territories, totaling 103 Districts. “Subsequent to this round, authorization for the development of City Gas Distribution Networks in the entire country (except Islands) shall be awarded,” he said adding that the anticipated investment of INR 41,000 crores from this round, will generate significant employment opportunities.

Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of PNGRB, emphasized the board's focus on creating a vibrant and sustainable gas infrastructure across the country, particularly in delicate ecosystems. He highlighted the potential of CNG in these regions and the role of authorized projects like the North Eastern Gas Grid and Gurdaspur – Jammu Natural Gas Pipeline.

Tarun Kapoor praised PNGRB's initiatives in the CGD sector, noting the higher capital investment required for areas covered in the 12th CGD Bidding Round. He emphasized the need for increased PNG and CNG connections, suggesting the shift of existing industries to Natural Gas for stable and competitive pricing.

The completion of the 12th CGD Bidding Round marks a significant milestone, with the entire country now authorized for CGD network development. This achievement promises cleaner cooking fuel access, supports industrial and commercial facilities, and fuels transportation, signaling a significant step towards a gas-based economy and environmental conservation.

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Policies & Regulations

PNGRB

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

12th CGD Bidding Round

CDG

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Hardeep Singh Puri

Letter of intent

Natural gas

Sustainable gas infrastructure

CGD network