India to invest $9.91bn to expand gas pipeline network
The latest discoveries of hydrocarbons in the East Mediterranean can help Europe diversify its natural gas resources, Stathakis said, adding: “The Forum will advance the strategic dialogue and cooperation of all the countries in the region in order to reach that goal.”
The Indian Government is reportedly planning to make an initial investment of Rs700bn ($9.91bn) to extend the gas pipeline network across the country.
According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government is also exploring the expansion of gas networks to Myanmar through Bangladesh.
The proposed investment plans are part of the government’s efforts to increase the share of gas in the country’s energy supply. This strategy requires a greater pipeline network to transport natural gas to several parts of the country, Pradhan said.
Pradhan stated: “Under this programme, pipelines are proposed to be constructed between Dhamra to Bangladesh and Siliguri to Bangladesh to export LNG gas, according to the requirement of the neighbouring nation.”
Speaking at the 19th National Conference on Corrosion Control in Bhubaneswar, the minister highlighted the need for the creation of large-scale infrastructure in the state of Odisha to store, refine and transport the natural gas directly to the industry from Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur.
The government intends to pump around Rs45bn ($637.46m) into Odisha to build a 1,700km pipeline network during the first phase.
Plans also include a strategic oil reserve project in Chandikhol. The project is expected to be launched following the completion of a land acquisition, according to Pradhan.
The minister added that South Eastern Region Pipelines (SERPL) is operating a 1,570km pipeline network with a 19.35Mmtpa capacity to transport crude oil, refined products and LPG across the country.
As part of future expansion plans under SERPL, state-owned firm Indian Oil is laying the 1,212km Paradip-Hyderabad pipeline with a 4.5Mmtpa capacity. The laying works are ongoing and the pipeline will carry products from the Paradip refinery to markets in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
DéC