KOCHI: Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) CEO A K Balyan has said that talks with the KSRTC were at an advanced stage for use of LNG in the buses operated by the latter.

Balyan informed this while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of FACT-Metis LNG Master Class, a three-day workshop on the challenges and opportunities in the LNG sector in India. The workshop is being organised and hosted by the Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT).He said the use of LNG in power sector has helped the nation in keeping the power tariff at a lower level. “There has been no substantial hike in the power tariff during the past 14 years,” he pointed out.

Reminding  the authorities about the  importance of completion of pipeline, Balyan pointed out that the capacity utilisation of the `4,600 cr Puthuvype terminal was barely one per cent.

“The state government must take a positive initiative in laying pipelines to northern Kerala. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka can also benefit from the Kochi terminal if pipelines are laid,” he said.

He pointed out that India is far behind the developed countries as far as laying of pipelines was concerned. “USA has a pipeline network of about 2.5 million kilometres while the length of India’s pipeline is just 14,000 kms,” he said. Balyan said the price of LNG has a direct relation with that of crude oil. He, however, favoured the uniform pricing of gas through a pooling system.  CPT chairman Paul Antony inaugurated the workshop. He said laying of pipeline was of paramount importance for the successful utilisation of the Puthuvype LNG terminal. FACT chairman and managing director Jaiveer Srivastava presided over.

Metis Energy Consulting director S Ravishankar, the associate in the workshop, FACT, Joint General Manager Jacob Kurian and FACT Chief Engineer K B Biju spoke. Around 50 delegates from various companies in the power and fertilizer sector are attending the workshop which is being held at FACT’s Ambalamedu House.

Source: The New Indian Express