Power Ministry to back NTPC's fuel related issues

The Power Ministry will take up the issues of state-run power producer NTPC with other ministries, such as Shipping and Railways, to expedite the delivery of fuel to the PSU, which is reeling under coal shortage.

"Under a recent agreement signed between the Ministry of Power and NTPC, the former would coordinate with other ministries like Railways, Shipping, Coal and Petroleum for amicably resolving issues which are hindering fuel supplies," a power ministry official said.

The official said, "The Ministry of Power may take up various issues to expedite delivery of coal, especially imported one."

As far as imported coal is concerned, the Power Ministry may ask the Ministry of Shipping for getting priority in berthing of import coal vessels.

The ministry would talk to Indian Railways for creating additional infrastructure to augment coal supply to pithead stations of NTPC power plants at Kahalgaon and Farakka where development of linked mines is delayed.

It would coordinate with the Coal Ministry for expeditious clearance for long-term (coal) linkages for new projects.

The Power Ministry would also discuss the issue of creating upstream regulator with the Ministry of Petroleum and also formulation of gas utilisation and pricing policy for different sectors, including power, to ensure adequate gas supply at reasonable prices.

It would also seek from the Ministry of Petroleum that the existing gas-based power stations of NTPC get the priority in allocation of future available gas and the pricing of gas is brought under the ambit of an independent regulator.

The Power ministry would negotiate the issues of excise duty exemption on ash based products from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, and also seek its permission for development of wastelands.