BackLNG-buses to debut in Kerala, import capacity to be doubled: Dharmendra Pradhan
India will more than double its capacity to import LNG to 50 million tonne a year in the next few years from 21 million tonne at present, Pradhan says
Premium
New Delhi: India will more than double its capacity to import liquified natural gas (LNG) to 50 million tonne a year in the next few years from 21 million tonne at present in a bid to promote use of the clean fuel and help reduce carbon emissions, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
As part of a plan to use imported LNG directly for transportation, the first LNG-driven buses will be launched in Kerala this year and efforts are being made to start trial run on 1 November, when the state celebrates its foundation day, Pradhan said at a conference here.
Also Read: India’s LNG demand set to double in next 4 years: Report
Petronet LNG and Indian Oil Corp. are in discussions with the Kerala government on this, the minister said. In an interview published on 15 March, the minister had said the government was planning to use LNG, which is cheaper than diesel, as a fuel for railways and long-haul transportation.
India now imports LNG from Qatar at $6.5 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu). Using imported LNG directly for transportation helps in saving the cost of re-gasifying the liquid fuel shipped to India in tankers.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
