Source: DD News
Subject: Economy
Context: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved new guidelines for the injection of Compressed Biogas (CBG) into Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
About Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB):
What it is?
- PNGRB is a statutory regulatory body responsible for regulating the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector in India.
Established In: 2006 under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
Headquarters: New Delhi
Aim:
- To protect consumer interests in petroleum and natural gas markets.
- To promote fair trade and competition among entities.
- To ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas across the country.
Key Functions:
- Regulatory Oversight: Authorizes and regulates entities to build and operate pipelines, LNG terminals, and CGD networks.
- Market & Consumer Protection: Monitors prices, ensures fair competition, and prevents restrictive trade practices.
- Access & Tariff Regulation: Specifies pipeline access codes and regulates transportation rates for common/contract carriers.
- Technical & Safety Standards: Lays down technical standards, specifications, and safety norms for petroleum and gas infrastructure.
- Data & Infrastructure Governance: Maintains sectoral data bank and oversees infrastructure expansion for equitable distribution.
Significance of Recent Approval:
- Mainstreams Green Gas: Enables integration of domestically produced CBG into NGPL and CGD networks.
- Enhances Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported LNG by promoting indigenous bio-gas production.
- Boosts Project Viability: Assured pipeline-based evacuation improves financing and investment prospects for CBG projects.
