PNGRB extends bid submission deadline for JNPT-Navi Mumbai ATF pipeline

• The last date for downloading the bid document and bid submission for the development of the ATF pipeline has been extended to May 8

• IOC, HPCL, BPCL, RIL and IndianOil Tanking in the fray, said sources

New Delhi: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has extended the deadline for the submission of bids for the development of an Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) pipeline from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The last date for downloading the bid document and bid submission for the development of the ATF pipeline has been extended to May 8 and the technical bid opening date has been extended to May 10. The PNGRB said that the extension has been granted in view of the requests received from potential bidders.

"… PNGRB is in receipt of request from the prospective bidder for time extension in submitting the bid. Accordingly, in terms of Regulation 5(8) and Regulation 5(9) of the PNGRB (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline) Regulations, 2010, last date for submission of bid and technical bid opening date have been revised," said the board on Monday.

JNPT to Navi Mumbai Airport ATF pipeline: Who are in the fray?

According to sources in the know of the matter, all the three state-run oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are keen on throwing their hat in the ring. In addition, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and IndianOil Tanking, a joint venture company between Indian Oil and Oiltanking India are interested in putting in bids for developing the ATF pipeline from JNPT to Navi Mumbai airport, sources added.

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ATF pipeline

The ATF pipeline will be 15-km-long and will have a capacity of 2 MTPA. The Navi Mumbai Airport needs four ATF pipelines, however, the PNGRB has invited bids only for one pipeline right now. The three PSU oil marketing companies — Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL — have a dominant present in the jet fuel market with a lion's share of 90 percent. 

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