IFFCO converts Phulpur unit from Naphtha to Gas-based

New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) has switched its Phulpur unit, in Uttar Pradesh, from Naphtha to Gas which would help save around Rs 1,000 crore annually in subsidy provided by the government.

Commissioned in 1981 and expanded in 1997, the Phulpur unit produces 1.42 million tonnes (MT) Urea annually.

IFFCO Managing Director U S Awasthi said by persuing the government policy and encouraging conversion of Naphtha-based Urea manufacturing units to Gas based-unit, IFFCO took the lead to enter into an agreement with GAIL in August 2004 for supply of re-gasified LNG to Phulpur unit.

GAIL has laid a dedicated 139 kms long Spurline to connect Phulpur to HBJ Pipeline.

''Necessary modifications were carried out by IFFCO in the main plants as well as Service Boilers for change over of Feed/ Fuel from Naphtha/Fuel Oil to LNG. The change over has been successfully implemented in both the plants in the first week of July 2006,'' Dr Awasthi said.

He further said that the switch over from Naphtha to LNG would entail substantial subsidy savings of more than Rs 1000 crore annually to the government keeping in view the prevalent price differential in Naphtha/FO and re-gasified LNG.

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