Pipeline sector on way to get infrastructure sector

New Delhi, Nov 30 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora today announced in the Lok Sabha that the Government was actively considering granting of infrastructure status to the gas pipeline and distribution sector.

Responding to a question, Mr Deora said the Government was in the process of finalising the policy for development of Natural Gas Pipelines and City or Local Natural Gas Distribution network.

He said the broad objective ofthe policy was to promote investment in natural gas pipelines and city/local natural gas distribution networks, promote competition among entities and to secure consumer interest in terms of gas availability and reasonable tariff.

The Minister said the policy was being finalised and the views of all stakeholders were invited. Meetings have also been held with the stakeholders in the months of June, July and October.

Responding to supplementaries, Mr Deora admitted that the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was much cheaper compared to the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and also less hazardous.

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