The Hindu Business Line : Gujarat State Petronet to expand gas pipeline network

Gandhinagar, Oct. 19 Gujarat State Petronet Ltd (GSPL), a subsidiary of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPC), is set to expand its gas distribution network to emerging economic hubs such as Mundra and Pipavav ports and Morbi.

GSPL is currently evaluating the projects and is likely to take a final decision early next year, company sources said.

GSPL owns and operates the second largest natural gas transmission network in the country. Of the 2,200-km-long gas grid planned, the company has already commissioned a pipeline network of 1,130 km and work is in progress on the remaining.

Mundra is emerging as the largest privately-owned and operated port as well as a multi-product SEZ, where the Tatas and the Adanis are setting up major, imported coal-based thermal power stations.

A large number of industries are expected to be set up in Kutch district. GSPL’s gas grid would provide for their energy needs.

Major port

Similarly, Pipavav is emerging as a major port. The pipeline network is connected to all major supply sources located in Gujarat where gas is being supplied from the terminals at Hazira and Dahej to various industries. Similar terminals are being mooted at Mundra and Pipavav.

GSPL’s city gas distribution network currently covers Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, parts of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surendranagar, Sabarkantha, Kalol, Mehsana, Morbi (Rajkot), Vapi and Valsad districts.