Question : TRANSNATIONAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECTS

(a) the details of transnational gas pipeline projects including Turkmenistan Afghanislan- Pakistan-India(TAPl) and Oman-Iran-India pipeline projects along with length of the gas pipeline, estimated cost of the projects and quantum of natural gas likely to be supplied in India through these pipelines including its cost effectiveness;

(b) whether the Government has signed agreements with various participating countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Russia to construct oil and gas transnational pipeline projects for building up cooperation in oil/gas to augment the supply of crude oil/natural gas;

(c) if so, the details thereof, country-wise including the details of Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement along with the investment proposed to be made by the public/private sector companies in ihe projects, country-wise;

(d) whether a meeting of TAPI Steering Committee was held recently and if so, the details and the outcome of the said meeting; and

(e) the efforts made by the Government to speed up these pipeline projects in a time- bound manner?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a): The 1814 km long Turkmenistan- Afghanistan- Pakistan- India (TAPI) pipeline project is envisaged to supply 38 MMSCMD of natural gas to India. According to a preliminary feasibility study the cost of project is estimated to be around USD 7.6 billion.

In addition. Siddho Mai & Sons through a Project Development Vehicle, South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), has proposed a Deep Sea Natural Gas Pipeline from

Middle East (Oman) to India. The project is not under the consideration of Government at present.

(b)& (c): No agreement has been signed with various countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Russia to construct oil and gas transnational pipeline projects for building up cooperation in oil/gas to augment India`s supply.

However, two government level agreements, namely the Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA) and Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) have been signed among the four TAP1 member countries in December, 2010. In May, 2012, GAIL has signed a GSPA with Turkmengas for sourcing of 38 MMSCMD of gas from TAPl pipeline for a period of 30 years.

(d)& (e): The 20 Steering Committee Meeting of TAPI was held at Islamabad on 11.2.2015. The Committee inter alia discussed timelines for identification and selection of Consortium Leader.