In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 61 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act,

## Report on the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Amendment Regulations, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks Amendment Regulations, 2021, as published in the Gazette of India on September 8, 2021. This amendment updates the 2008 regulations by incorporating new standards related to metering equipment, specifically concerning Coriolis meters. The primary purpose is to align existing regulations with updated industry best practices and technological advancements in natural gas flow measurement. The key finding is the inclusion of specific AGA, API MPMS, IS, and ISO standards for Coriolis meter applications within City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks Amendment Regulations, 2021. The analysis is solely based on the text of the amendment published in the Gazette of India on September 8, 2021. The report aims to inform stakeholders in the petroleum and natural gas industry about the specific changes introduced by this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document is an *amendment* to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks Regulations, 2008. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of *this amendment* is to update the technical standards and specifications for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks by incorporating new standards for metering equipment. This promotes the use of current, internationally recognized standards in the industry. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment appears to be driven by the need to incorporate advancements in metering technology, specifically the use of Coriolis meters, into the existing regulatory framework. The original 2008 regulations may not have adequately addressed the specific standards and guidelines for Coriolis meters. This amendment serves to address that gap, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement of natural gas flow in CGD networks by explicitly referencing relevant AGA, API MPMS, IS, and ISO standards. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment focuses specifically on changes related to "Metering Equipment" within Annexure II of the 2008 regulations. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Annexure II, under the heading "Metering Equipment," is being updated. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment *inserts* the following entries after the entry beginning with "ISO 17089-2": * "AGA Report No. 11" * "API MPMS Chapter 14.9: Measurement of Natural Gas by Coriolis Meter" * "IS 15672: Flow measurement of natural gas and fluids by Coriolis Meters" * "ISO 10790: Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits Guidance to the selection, installation and use of Coriolis flowmeters mass flow, density and volume flow measurements." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The addition of these standards implies that installations and operations within City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks must now adhere to these specific standards when using Coriolis meters. This provides greater clarity and standardization for the use of this specific metering technology, and is likely to enhance the accuracy and reliability of flow measurements. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * City Gas Distribution (CGD) network operators. * Manufacturers and suppliers of metering equipment, particularly Coriolis meters. * Engineers and technicians involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of CGD networks. * Regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the natural gas industry. **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 came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which was September 8, 2021. The text does not specify detailed implementation procedures. Operators are expected to comply with the new standards in their future and ongoing operations as quickly as is reasonably possible. * The amendment does not appear to grant exceptions or phased rollouts. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * Improve the accuracy and reliability of natural gas flow measurements in CGD networks. * Promote the adoption of industry best practices and standards related to Coriolis meter technology. * Ensure consistency and standardization in the selection, installation, and use of Coriolis meters. * Facilitate more efficient and effective regulation of the natural gas distribution sector. **9. Conclusion:** The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks Amendment Regulations, 2021, represents a significant update to the existing regulatory framework. By incorporating specific standards for Coriolis meters, the amendment aims to improve the accuracy, reliability, and standardization of natural gas flow measurements within City Gas Distribution networks. This update is likely to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the natural gas distribution sector by ensuring the industry is utilizing internationally accepted and appropriate standards.

Key Entities Referenced