Date:03/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/03/stories/2005080300390300.htm

Back `ONGC, GAIL, Reliance allowed to market LPG'

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug. 2

THE Petroleum Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, that in addition to the public sector oil marketing companies IOC, BPCL, HPCL and IBP, the Government has also authorised Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, GAIL (India) Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to market indigenously produced LPG in the country.

The decision was taken in February. However, authorisation is subject to certain conditions.

As per the conditions, till March 31, 2006, after meeting the demand of oil marketing companies in full as per the industry logistics plan, these companies were authorised to sell seasonally surplus LPG subject to it not exceeding 20 per cent of their total LPG sale.

After April 1, 2006, ONGC, GAIL and RIL have been authorised to market LPG but their sale of bulk (non-domestic) LPG should not exceed 20 per cent of total LPG sales.

The remaining 80 per cent is being earmarked for domestic LPG.

ONGC, GAIL and RIL have to strictly adhere to the provisions of the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order and the LPG (Regulation of Use in Motor Vehicles) Order for sale of LPG in domestic and non-domestic markets.

In April 1993, the Government allowed private sector companies to participate in the scheme of parallel marketing, under which these companies can import LPG and sell it at market-determined prices.