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Further delay likely in gas cracker project

Our Bureau

GUWAHATI, Aug. 9

THE implementation of the much-delayed Assam gas cracker project may be further delayed as Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has expressed its inability to sign an agreement with the Reliance Assam Petrochemicals Ltd (RAPL) for supplying the remai ning quantity of natural gas for the project.

Oil India Ltd (OIL) had already signed an agreement with RAPL last year for the supply of the major potion of natural gas required for the project.

The Chief Minister, Mr Tarun Gogoi, said that during his visit to New Delhi he had discussed the matter with the Union Petroleum Minister, Mr Ram Naik, who told him that if the size of the project could be brought down 1,50,000 tpa from 2,00,000 tonnes p er annum (tpa), ONGC was ready to sign an agreement immediately.

Now, the economy of size of the project may stand in the way of its early implementation and its viability. Meanwhile, a delegation of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) met Mr Naik recently and reiterated its demand for the immediate start of project, or else expressed its determination to take to the agitational path. Mr Naik is understood to have assured the delegation that he would take the necessary measures to start the project.