In exercise of the power conferred by clause t of subsection 2 of section 61 and power conferred under clause

## Report on Amendment to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008. The amendment, effective upon publication in the Official Gazette, adds Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited's NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid to the Natural Gas Grid System (NGGS) upon commissioning and includes Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited in Annexure 1 to Schedule D, which seems to deal with a list of entities, likely involved in tariff determination. The key finding is that this amendment appears to expand the scope of the existing tariff regulations to include a new pipeline system operated by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, facilitating its integration into the broader national gas infrastructure framework. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the amendment to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008, as published in the Gazette of India on April 29, 2025. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the original policy aims to regulate and determine the tariff structure for natural gas pipelines within India. The objective of the amendment is to expand the coverage of the existing regulations to include new pipeline infrastructure. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Reason for Amendment:** The amendment appears to be necessary due to the commissioning of a new natural gas pipeline grid in the NorthEast region by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. Including this new infrastructure under the existing tariff regulations ensures a consistent and regulated approach to tariff determination, promoting efficient and equitable access to natural gas transportation services. It could also mean that the NGGS is expanding and the board is taking steps to include the new parts of it. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008. * **Specific Part Changed:** Schedule C and Annexure 1 to Schedule D of the 2008 regulations are amended. * **New Rule/Provision:** * In Schedule C, after "Hazira Ankleshwar Natural Gas Pipeline System," the following is inserted: "Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited NorthEast Natural gas Pipeline Grid shall be part of NGGS from date of its commissioning." * In Annexure 1 to Schedule D, after "GSPL India Transco Limited," the following is inserted: "Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited." * **Effect of Change:** * The first change explicitly incorporates the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited's NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid into the broader Natural Gas Grid System (NGGS) upon commissioning. This likely means that tariffs for this specific pipeline will now be regulated under the existing framework for NGGS pipelines. * The second change adds Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited to a list of entities, presumably relevant for tariff-related considerations. This is likely entities that the Tariff regulations apply to, and by including this company, the scope of the regulations is increased. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. * Users and potential users of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid. * Other entities involved in the NGGS. * Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board. * Natural Gas consumers. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the responsible body for implementing and enforcing these regulations. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (April 29, 2025). The inclusion of the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited's pipeline is contingent upon its commissioning date. The text does not specify further implementation details, which would likely be outlined in the broader 2008 regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * Facilitate the seamless integration of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid into the national gas infrastructure framework. * Ensure that the tariff structure for the new pipeline aligns with existing regulations, promoting fairness and transparency. * Promote investment in and utilization of the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the NorthEast region. * Provide clarity and certainty for all stakeholders involved in the transportation of natural gas through the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited pipeline. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2008, effectively expands the scope of the existing regulatory framework to include the newly commissioned NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid operated by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. This is a significant step towards integrating new infrastructure into the national gas grid and ensuring consistent tariff regulation, which is crucial for the continued development of the natural gas sector in India.

Key Entities Referenced