ADAG power plant may get gas only 6 months before start-up

The government may allocate natural gas to Anil Ambani Group's proposed power plants like the Dadri project only six months prior to commissioning, as reservation of gas is not allowed under the present policy.

"The Gas Utilisation Policy is very clear - the gas, which is a precious asset, cannot be reserved for anyone," a top government official said.

"So, for anyone wanting natural gas for their plants, be it in fertiliser, power or any other sector, the allocation is to be made (to them) closer to the time when they can actually consume that gas," he said.

Incidentally, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani last week told company shareholders that his firm will supply gas to ADAG plants as and when they are ready and it is subject to the allocation being made by the government.