AP moves planning commission for higher allocation of gas

The Andhra Pradesh government has sought intervention of the Planning Commission to help it get its share of natural gas from the D6 wells of Krishna-Godavari Basin.
"Please protect our state's rights and help us get our due share of gas to help overcome the grave power crisis," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy urged Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia at a meeting in New Delhi yesterday.
"We brought the injustice done to the state, in the allocation of gas, to the notice of the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman. He assured us that he will take up the issue at the meeting of Group of Ministers next week," state Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy told reporters here today.

Though Andhra Pradesh has huge gas reserves, it is not getting its share as the Group of Ministers has allotted large quantity of gas to other states.
"The GoM's decision is not right," the Finance Minister quoted the Chief Minister as telling Ahluwalia.
Gas-based power generating stations in the state were lying idle due to lack of fuel, compounding the electricity crisis though there was adequate installed capacity.

The Chief Minister suggested a formula under which RLNG (regasified liquefied natural gas) could be supplied to other states and gas from D6 wells to AP.
"We are currently spending Rs 12.55 a unit to produce power using RLNG. If natural gas is made available, the cost will come down to just Rs 3.60 per unit," Ramanarayana Reddy pointed out.

Similarly, AP has also requested the Planning Commission to ensure allocation of adequate coal stocks to the state for thermal power generation, he added.