Question : NATIONAL GAS GRID



(a) whether the Government propose to set up a national gas grid on the lines of the power grid;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the benefits likely to be accrued by setting up of such a grid?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) to (c): For transporting natural gas across the length and breadth of the country, a cross-country pipeline network is being laid throughout the country. Presently, we have around 11,000 km of natural gas pipeline across the country and another 14,000 kms of pipeline infrastructure is under various stages of implementation. The Government has also set up a Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under PNGRB Act, 2006 as a regulatory body to plan, authorize and monitor the development of pipeline infrastructure in the country. Natural gas is a versatile fuel besides being environmentally benign. Greater use of natural gas in the country is not only desirable from the objectives of fuel diversification and energy security but would also accelerate the economic development of the country.