Covid-19: PNGRB gives 251 days’ extra time to IOC, Adani Gas citing force majeure

• The oil regulator has granted more time to a total of 41 city gas companies, keeping in mind the disruption caused by the pandemic

• The time extension grated by the regulator varies between 129 to 251 days across different geographical areas

New Delhi: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has given 251 days or eight-and-a-half months more to companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Adani Gas for fulfilling their city gas rollout commitments that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The oil regulator has granted more time to a total of 41 city gas companies, keeping in mind the disruption caused by the pandemic. The time extension grated by the regulator varies between 129 to 251 days across different geographical areas, depending on the duration and the severity of the lockdown.

"In view of the various requests received from CGD Entities for extension of exclusivity period and shifting of year wise MWP targets of Cumulative Work Program on account of 'Force Majeure' i.e. COVID-19 pandemic for the Geographical Areas (GAs) authorised to various CGD Entities, the Board has granted the extension to all concerned CGD Entities eligible for extension as per the provisions related to 'Force Majeure' of PNGRB," the regulator said in an order.

PNGRB said that it has awarded licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens and industries in 230 geographical areas (GAs) across the country.

IOC, GAIL, Adani Gas, Gujarat Gas, BPCL, IGL, HPCL granted extra time

Among the firms that have got extra time are IOC, GAIL India Ltd, Adani Gas, Gujarat Gas, Torrent Gas, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), Indraprastha Gas Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL). PNGRB said it has "approved the extension considering the national lockdown by Government of India (69 days), additional lockdown/restrictions imposed by state governments or by district authorities and a restoration period of 60 days."

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"The decision of the board in this regard shall be final and binding on the entity," it said.

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