PNGRB to start biding process by mid-Jan '08

New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation Board (PNGRB) today said it will start the bidding process for city gas distribution for over 200 cities by mid-January next year.

''We will notify the regulations and go for bidding by mid-January,'' said PNGRB Chairman L Mansingh.

After the bidding, the authorisation for city gas distribution will be issued, he added.

Mr Mansingh said, ''the service can be rolled out where the pipelines and gas is already available,'' and added that the topmost priority are the areas where pipelines have already been laid or are proposed. It will also cover regions within the 50 km radius of the cities where the pipelines exist, he added.

''I dont want any delays and it has to be totally transparent,'' Mr Mansingh said.

The Board had made a draft and put it on the website on November 15 and are seeking comments and suggestions, informed Mr Mansingh.

PNGRB will enter the markets like South India, West India, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh where players already exist, Mr Mansingh said.

UNI