Deora directs IGL to expand CNG facility in Delhi

Deora, who reviewed supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) to automobiles in Delhi, asked officials of IGL and gas utility Gail to work on war footing to improve CNG supply, an official press statement said here.     

IGL Managing Director Om Narain, at the meeting, said while the number of CNG vehicles has grown phenomenally, there has been practically no addition of CNG retail stations due to a ban on expansion imposed by the oil regulator PNGRB and availability of new land.     

At present, IGL runs 163 CNG dispensing stations in Delhi and caters to nearly 2.25 lakh vehicles, filling over 13 lakh kg of gas per day. One month back, the daily sale was only 11 lakh kg per day.     

When contacted, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Chairman L Mansingh said the existing entities including IGL have not been prohibited for carrying out existing operations, including maintenance and capacity addition at the existing outlets. However, for putting up new outlets they have to apply to the Board for permission.     

At the review meeting, Deora asked IGL to immediately expand its CNG dispensation capacity.

On IGL being stopped for putting up CNG outlets in neighbouring Noida and Gurgaon, Deora said he would take up the issue with the respective Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments for removing impediments.