NEW DELHI: The Centre has issued a new order to streamline the laying of pipelines for natural gas and petroleum products across the country, aiming to strengthen energy security amid concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions.
The directive comes against the backdrop of rising global uncertainties, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the government to accelerate fuel diversification efforts as part of its long-term energy strategy. The order seeks to establish a uniform framework to address key bottlenecks that have slowed pipeline infrastructure expansion.
According to the order, challenges such as delays in approvals from multiple authorities, denial of land access by consumers and resident welfare associations, high fees, and resistance in areas with existing gas connectivity have hindered progress. The new framework aims to resolve these issues and ensure faster implementation.
The government said expanding natural gas supply through pipelines to domestic consumers will help free up LPG in areas with pipeline connectivity, making additional LPG available for regions lacking such infrastructure.
It also noted that gas supply requires pipelines of varying capacities, originating either from tap-off points on main transmission lines or from LNG storage facilities.
The order will apply to all public entities, housing societies and authorised entities defined under the Petroleum Act, 1934, and licensed by the Central government. It empowers these entities to lay pipelines within a defined timeframe while addressing issues such as right-of-way delays and excessive charges imposed by local authorities. (Agencies)
