Guj HC issues notice to petroleum ministry over CNG supply

Notice issued to MoPNG on a contempt plea filed by Dhrangadhra Prakrutik Mandal

Gujarat High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the ministry of petroleum and natural gas (MoPNG) on a contempt plea filed by Dhrangadhra Prakrutik Mandal over short supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) for domestic and vehicular use.

The notice was issued to Vivek Rae, secretary, MoPNG, by a division bench of Justice M R Shah and Justice R P Dholaria. The ministry has been asked to file its reply by January 27 when the next hearing is scheduled.

The court was hearing petition of Dhrangadhra Prakrutik Mandal which had alleged that ministry was not complying to the orders of the High Court for supply of natural gas to Gujarat with out discrimination, at the same rate as Delhi and Mumbai.

The petitioner has claimed that Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) allegedly dishonoured the agreement with GSPC and other CNG players in the state by supplying 9 per cent less gas. It further alleged that GAIL has disregarded the directions issued by the court and committed contempt of court.

Last year the Gujarat High Court had passed the directions on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Dhrangadhra Prakrutik Mandal which had alleged discrimination against Gujarat in allocation of natural gas at APM in comparison with metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

This order was upheld by the Supreme Court in September this year.

Following this the union ministry of petroleum and natural gas issued guidelines for GAIL to supply natural gas to entire country under a uniform policy and with out discrimination.

Last month Gujarat High Court had directed Central government to supply gas to Gujarat at the same price as Delhi and Mumbai. Subsequently agreement was signed between Gas Authority of India (GAIL) and GSPC to supply cheaper gas from the Dahej supply point.