(a) whether the supply of natural gas to the fertilizer producing units
in the country has been curtailed;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the percentage reduction made in the supply of natural gas
during the year 2011;
(d) whether the said reduction is likely to result in decline in
the production of fertilizers and also increase the cost of
production; and
(e) if so, the estimates in this regard and the corrective measures
taken/proposed by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS
AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.42 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-03-2012 REGARDING SUPPLY OF NATURAL GAS.
(a) No, Madam.
(b) to (e) As per the existing policy of the Government, the requirement
of natural gas of urea producing units in the country is to be met fully.
As per the decision of Empowered Group of Ministers, the existing gas based
Urea plants have been accorded first priority in allocation of gas. Natural
gas is used as fuel and feed stock by urea producing units. Shortfall if
any of indigenous gas supply is covered up by procuring SPOT gas (imported).
During the year 2011, there was no cut in the production of urea due to
non-availability of natural gas.