'Access code key to fair use of gas pipelines'

Framing an access code that enables transparent access to gas pipelines would lay the foundation for competitive gas pricing in the country, according to Labanyendu Mansingh, chairman, Petroleum and natural gas regulatory board (PNGRB).

He was speaking at a roundtable meeting on access code issues organised by Confederation of Indian Industry - Andhra Pradesh region, in association with PNGRB on Tuesday at Rajahmundry. PNGRB has already notified guidelines on access code and is currently taking feedback from stakeholders.

“The objective of this code is to promote development of a competitive gas market by establishing uniform principles for owners and users of gas pipelines to allow transparent and non-discriminatory access to the gas pipelines and city gas distribution (CGD) networks,” Mansingh explained.

B S Negi, member (technical), PNGRB, noted that in the world CGD network is close to 20 per cent of the total gas consumption while in India it was at nine per cent. “We expect the network to reach 15 per cent in next five years,” he said.

“The access code aims at establishing industry-wide transparent and uniform principles for allowing entities to gain or allow access to pipelines systems and CGD networks,” said Negi.