Question : ASSAM GAS CRACKER PROJECT

(a) Whether the Assam Gas Cracker Project has been inordinately delayed;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) since when it was scheduled to be completed under the original plan and the time by which it is likely to be completed;

(d) the cost over-escalation on account of this delay;

(e) the estimated cost of the gas flared up per year and that flared up on account of delay in completion of the said project; and

(f) the reasons for delay and the extent to which it is attribute to the disinterestedness of the Reliance Industries in setting up the Cracker Project?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI S.B. MOOKHERJEE)

(a) to (f): M/s Reliance Assam Petrochemicals Limited (RAPL), a joint venture of the Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and M/s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), was formed in 1995 to implement the Assam Gas Cracker Project. The project has not reached the stage of implementation mainly due to non- finalisation of feedstock related issues. RAPL have indicated that the project would be completed within 44 months of signing of the Gas Supply Agreement with OIL/ONGC and handing over of land to them, whichever is later.

Gas is not being flared on account of delay in the commissioning of the Assam Gas Cracker Project. About 0.39 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) is currently being flared in Assam for technical reasons.