Question : INCREASE IN PRICES OF NATURAL GAS

(a) whether the Union Government propose 12 per cent increase in the gas prices;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether such increase would lead to a steep increase in power tariff and an additional subsidy burden of crores of rupees on fertilizers;

(d) if so, whether the Government propose to reconsider the decision of hike in gas prices;

(e) if not, whether the Union Government have assessed its likely impact on common consumers of power, gas and fertilizers; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)

(a) to (f) Government have constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) under the Chairmanship of Shri K.C. Pant, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission to consider the question of revision of natural gas prices. Government will take a view on the recommendations made by GoM and decide the issue after full consideration of the matter. Impact on Fertilizer Sector and Power Sector of any gas price increase, would depend upon the actual increase in gas price.