NewKerala.com

Panel Urges Prudent Budgeting, Targeted LPG Subsidies for Petroleum Ministry

A parliamentary committee has presented its report on the Petroleum Ministry's Demands for Grants, emphasizing prudent budgeting and sound forecasting models. It recommends using granular consumer data to design targeted LPG subsidies for regions with low refill rates under the Ujjwala scheme. The report urges prioritizing the Indradhanush Gas Grid for the North-East and boosting strategic crude oil storage to meet the 90-day global standard. It also advocates for expanding PNG connections and promoting advanced biofuel technologies.

Key Points: Standing Committee Report on Petroleum Ministry Demands for Grants

  • Prudent budgeting & forecasting
  • Targeted LPG subsidies for low-refill areas
  • Prioritize NE gas grid for Hydrocarbon Vision 2030
  • Boost crude storage to 90-day global standard
2 min read

Standing Committee on Petroleum, Natural Gas presents report on Demands for Grants in Parliament

Parliamentary panel recommends sound budgeting, targeted LPG subsidies under Ujjwala, and prioritization of NE gas grid and PNG expansion for energy security.

"use granular data from the 10.43 crore PMUY consumers to identify households unable to use LPG regularly - Committee Report"

New Delhi, March 18

Member of Lok Sabha and the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, presented the seventh report on 'Demands for Grants' for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the Lok Sabha.

The report emphasises the need for prudent budgeting, asking the Ministry to adopt sound forecasting models to minimise variations in fund allocations and reduce last-minute surrenders or adjustments. It further recommends enhanced budgetary support for capital expenditure, noting that such spending creates long-lived public assets and drives economic growth and employment. The Committee suggests using government support for infrastructure-led investment as a primary driver for long-term expansion.

Regarding the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the Committee recommended exploring targeted LPG subsidies for regions with the lowest refill rates. To ensure affordable and sustained access, the Ministry was advised to use granular data from the 10.43 crore PMUY consumers to identify households unable to use LPG regularly and design specific interventions for clean cooking.

For the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, the Ministry was asked to prioritise the project and strengthen coordination with state governments to achieve the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East. Regarding the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, the report suggests promoting collaboration with research institutions and industry stakeholders to support technology validation and troubleshooting for advanced biofuels and 2G ethanol technologies.

Additionally, the Committee recommended exploring the construction of more caverns for energy security and urged the Ministry to strive for the global standard of 90 days of crude oil storage. Finally, noting the target of 12 crore Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections by 2034, the Committee suggested prioritising the expansion of PNG connections through the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The recommendation on targeted LPG subsidies is excellent. My aunt in a rural area still uses firewood because refills are too expensive. Using data to help those who need it most is smart governance. Hope they implement this quickly! 🙏
V
Vikram M
Good to see focus on the North-East's gas grid. Infrastructure development there is crucial for national integration and economic progress. Strengthening coordination with state governments is key—often projects get delayed due to centre-state issues.
R
Rohit P
90 days of crude oil storage is a must for our energy security. With global tensions, we cannot be vulnerable. Building more caverns is a strategic move. The committee seems to have a forward-looking vision.
S
Sarah B
Promoting collaboration for advanced biofuels is the way to go for a greener future. But I hope this isn't just another report that sits on a shelf. Implementation is where the real challenge lies. The targets for PNG connections by 2034 are ambitious.
N
Nikhil C
While the recommendations are sound, my respectful criticism is about the pace. We've been talking about PNG expansion for years. In my colony in Bangalore, we still don't have a reliable connection. Hope this report translates to ground reality faster. 🤞
A
Ananya R
Infrastructure-led investment as a

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50