NEW DELHI: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora on Tuesday assured allocation of sufficient gas for various projects proposed to be set up in the Capital. The gas is proposed to be supplied from the Panna-Mukta Tapti gas fields that are likely to become operational from September next year.

This assurance was given by Mr. Deora to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who called on him to make a request for allocation of 1.7 million metric standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) gas for the second phase of Pragati power project phase-II project scheduled to become operational by December 2007. Also present on the occasion was Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Dinsha Patel, Union Petroleum Secretary M.S. Srinivasan and Principal Secretary (Power) Rakesh Mehta.

Ms. Dikshit stressed the need for urgent requirement of gas stating that the Delhi Government had decided to set up the combined cycle gas-based 350 MW Pragati power project near the existing Pragati Power Station and 1,000 MW power project at Bawana keeping in mind the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Ms. Dikshit said the gas-based power plant is the only feasible solution available with Delhi.

The coal-based power station cannot be set up in the Capital due to environmental concerns. She said the Capital should be given preferential treatment in allocation of gas from the existing and upcoming gas fields.

The first stage of the Bawana project may come up in 2009-10 and the remaining stages by 2010-11.

Mr. Deora informed Ms. Dikshit that gas supply from Panna Tapti gas fields would only start somewhere around September next year. The gas would be supplied through Dadri pipeline and there would be no problem in providing linkage up to Pragati project. The requirement of 1.7 MMSCMD gas for Delhi for Pragati project would most likely be met from the Panna Tapti gas fields. He also urged the Delhi Government to consider options of purchase of LNG and procurement of gas from Krishna-Godavri basin during 2008.

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