Difficulties in importing gas through sub-sea pipeline: Govt

Technical feasibility of importing fuel through an alternative under-sea pipeline from the energy-rich Gulf region is yet to be established, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy said during Question Hour that there were many difficulties in importing natural gas through a sub-sea pipeline from Oman or Iran.

"So far, technical feasibility of the project has not been established," he said.

State gas utility GAIL India had in 2009 entered into a Principles of Cooperation agreement with South Asia Gas Enterprises (SAGE) in 2009 to explore the technical viability of laying deep sea pipeline from West Asia to India, he said.

But "not much progress has been made since then," he said.

Listing out difficulties, he said adequate gas reserves have not been earmarked neither by Oman or Iran and there is lack of proven technology to undertake repair of pipeline at depth of up to 3,500 meters.

The under-sea line was supposed to rival a long discussed on-land pipeline from Iran via Pakistan. The Iran-Pakistan- India gas pipeline has remained only on drawing board due to price and security concerns.

Reddy said Iran has hiked price of natural gas to be exported through the IPI pipeline and there were concerns over safety of the line.

"We are in discussions with Iran. There are difficulties (like) appreciation in price (of natural gas) and security of pipeline," he added.