The Centre has issued a new order to streamline the laying of pipelines for natural gas and petroleum products in order to strengthen the country's energy security. This directive comes in the wake of growing concerns about fuel supply disruptions caused by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have prompted the government to accelerate efforts to diversify fuel sources as a critical strategy for long-term energy security. The order seeks to establish a uniform framework to address persistent challenges that have hindered the expansion of pipeline infrastructure. These include delays in approvals from multiple authorities, denial of access to land by consumers and resident welfare associations, exorbitant fees, and resistance from consumers in areas with existing natural gas connectivity.
The government order stated that increasing natural gas supply through pipelines to domestic consumers will enable the release of LPG from areas with pipeline connectivity, making additional LPG volumes available in regions without such infrastructure. The government noted that supplying natural gas requires laying pipelines of varying capacities, originating from tap-off points on main transmission lines or from LNG storage facilities.
The order will apply to all public entities, housing societies, and authorized entities, as defined by the Petroleum Act, 1934, and licensed by the Central government. It empowers authorized entities to lay pipelines in a time-bound manner, addressing longstanding issues such as right-of-way delays and unreasonable charges imposed by local authorities.