PNGRB Opens Gas Networks for Compressed Biogas Integration
Context
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has issued revised operational guidelines allowing the injection of Compressed Biogas (CBG) into Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) systems and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
About the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
Institutional Status:
PNGRB is a statutory regulator overseeing India’s downstream petroleum and natural gas ecosystem.
Legal Basis:
Constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
Location:
New Delhi
Core Mandate
- Safeguard consumer interests in gas and petroleum markets
- Encourage transparency, competition, and orderly market development
- Ensure reliable and continuous availability of petroleum products and natural gas nationwide
Major Responsibilities
- Sector Regulation: Grants authorization and supervises pipelines, LNG facilities, and CGD operations
- Competition & Consumer Safeguards: Prevents monopolistic practices and promotes fair pricing mechanisms
- Pipeline Access & Pricing: Frames access rules and regulates transportation charges for gas carriers
- Standards & Safety Compliance: Notifies technical norms and safety protocols for energy infrastructure
- Sectoral Data Management: Maintains industry databases and supports balanced infrastructure growth
Implications of the New Guidelines
- Green Energy Integration: Supports blending of renewable CBG with conventional gas networks
- Reduced Import Dependence: Lowers reliance on imported LNG through domestic bio-energy adoption
- Investment Push: Guaranteed pipeline connectivity enhances financial viability of CBG projects
Source : DD News