PNGRB, MoEF&CC Push for Natural Gas Adoption with Industry-Friendly Measures
04 Dec 2024
2 Min Read
CW Team
In a move to make natural gas a central element in India鈥檚 clean energy transition, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and state governments, is planning a series of industry-friendly measures to boost natural gas adoption across industries and commercial sectors.
Natural gas, which can reduce emissions by up to 27% compared to petroleum products, not only offers environmental benefits but is also a more cost-effective and efficient alternative, making it an appealing choice for industries.
PNGRB is working to ease the transition to natural gas by relaxing inspection schedules, reducing compliance requirements, and lightening the regulatory burden on industries, as stated by A Ramana Kumar, Member, PNGRB. These changes aim to minimize disruptions and help businesses shift to cleaner fuels with fewer operational hurdles.
Additionally, PNGRB is collaborating with state governments to address VAT discrepancies on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which currently vary across states. For instance, Maharashtra and Goa have lowered VAT to 3%-4%, while Gujarat and Karnataka have capped it at 5%. This policy is already yielding cost benefits for end-users, and PNGRB is encouraging other states to adopt similar reductions.
Another key proposal is including natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, which would streamline tax procedures and reduce costs for industries. The government is also exploring financial incentives, such as subsidized loans for capital expenditure (CAPEX) related to clean fuel infrastructure, to make the transition more financially viable for industries.
These initiatives align with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 131 non-attainment cities across India. PNGRB and MoEF&CC are also working on plans to replace diesel buses with CNG alternatives in cities with established gas infrastructure.
These measures are designed to reduce urban air pollution while promoting the use of natural gas across various sectors.
In a move to make natural gas a central element in India鈥檚 clean energy transition, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and state governments, is planning a series of industry-friendly measures to boost natural gas adoption across industries and commercial sectors.
Natural gas, which can reduce emissions by up to 27% compared to petroleum products, not only offers environmental benefits but is also a more cost-effective and efficient alternative, making it an appealing choice for industries.
PNGRB is working to ease the transition to natural gas by relaxing inspection schedules, reducing compliance requirements, and lightening the regulatory burden on industries, as stated by A Ramana Kumar, Member, PNGRB. These changes aim to minimize disruptions and help businesses shift to cleaner fuels with fewer operational hurdles.
Additionally, PNGRB is collaborating with state governments to address VAT discrepancies on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which currently vary across states. For instance, Maharashtra and Goa have lowered VAT to 3%-4%, while Gujarat and Karnataka have capped it at 5%. This policy is already yielding cost benefits for end-users, and PNGRB is encouraging other states to adopt similar reductions.
Another key proposal is including natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, which would streamline tax procedures and reduce costs for industries. The government is also exploring financial incentives, such as subsidized loans for capital expenditure (CAPEX) related to clean fuel infrastructure, to make the transition more financially viable for industries.
These initiatives align with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 131 non-attainment cities across India. PNGRB and MoEF&CC are also working on plans to replace diesel buses with CNG alternatives in cities with established gas infrastructure.
These measures are designed to reduce urban air pollution while promoting the use of natural gas across various sectors.
Next Story
HCL-Foxconn to invest Rs 37 billion in chip plant near Jewar airport
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new semiconductor unit near Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh under the India Semiconductor Mission. This sixth plant, a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, marks further progress in India鈥檚 semiconductor journey. The project will see an investment of Rs 37 billion.The facility will produce display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and other digital devices. It is designed for a monthly capacity of 20,000 wafers and an output of 36 million units.Five semiconductor units are already in advanced stages of constructi..
Next Story
Brigade acquires Velachery land for Rs 16-billion project
Brigade Enterprises has acquired a 5.41-acre land parcel on Velachery Road, Chennai, through an outright purchase for Rs 4.417 billion. Located next to Phoenix Market City, the site will be developed into a premium residential project with a gross development value of approximately Rs 16 billion and a development potential of 0.8 million square feet.The project offers strategic access to both the OMR IT Corridor and Chennai鈥檚 Central Business District, promising strong connectivity and premium lifestyle offerings. Brigade plans to create signature residences focused on aesthetics, functional..
Next Story
Liebherr marks 10,000th XPower wheel loader milestone
Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen has rolled out its 10,000th XPower wheel loader, marking a major production milestone. The anniversary L 580 XPower model, featuring a power-split travel drive developed with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, was handed over to the BERGER Group in Passau.鈥淭he transmission from our partner ZF is a key component of the drivetrain in our XPower wheel loaders,鈥� said Gerhard Pirnbacher, Head of Quality Management at Liebherr. 鈥淲ith an impressive total of around 64 million operating hours already clocked up by XPower models, this transmission has proven its exceptional robustn..