Additional fuel allocation for gas-based power projects

Petroleum Ministry assures more gas allocation to plants

The Ministry for Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured additional fuel
allocation for expansion of gas-based power projects, some greenfield
plants of the State-owned AP Genco and fertiliser plants in the next
round of gas allocation.During a meeting between the Union Petroleum
Minister, Mr Murali Deora, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr K.
Rosaiah, held at New Delhi earlier this week, the former assured
additional fuel allocation from KG basin gas, urging the State to
identify entrepreneurs and industrial consumers for gas linkage.
Addressing a press conference here, Dr Rosaiah said that the Union
Minister also assured the State that the Centre will clear 15 lakh
additional LPG connections for consumers in the State.This is in
addition to the earlier announcement of 15 lakh new connections. These
new gas connections are aimed at providing gas to below poverty line
women under the Deepam scheme.All the gas-based projects in the State
owned by Lanco Infratech, GVK Power & Infrastructure, GMR, Spectrum
Power and Konaseema, among others, have drawn up plans for expansion
projects at their plants in the States.
In addition, AP Genco is setting up a mega gas-based power plant near
Karimnagar expecting fuel linkages in the next round of allocation.
All necessary clearances for expansion projects have been secured.The
Chief Minister thanked the Petroleum Ministry for releasing 19 mcmd of
gas to the State, conceding the State's request.Referring to an
interaction he had with the Union Minister for Transport and National
Highways, Mr Kamal Nath, the Chief Minister said the Government was
requested to help upgrade 20 State roads into national highways apart
from providing a grant of Rs 350 crore under a National Highways
project and Rs 50 crore for periodical renewals.Admitting that some
issues were raised by the Planning Commission with regard to budgetary
estimates and difference of about Rs 703 crore, the Chief Minister
said the State's stand was specifically explained and "we are hopeful
of securing additional funds."
….from the pages of HINDU BUSINESS LINE newspaper………Hyderabad, April 18