185 city gas distribution projects may get extension

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) may grant another extension to about 185 city gas distribution projects hit by the second wave of Covid-19. This would help city gas licensees avoid penalties for missing work programme targets and avail extended exclusivity period.

The second wave of the pandemic, which has resulted in record infections and deaths in the past two months in the country, has also hampered the progress of city gas projects in several places as most states have imposed lockdowns, restricting the mobility of men and material.

PNGRB will consider extending the city gas project time frames once again as it did last November after licensees declared force majeure and sought extension citing national and local lockdowns, said people familiar with the matter.