The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has kickstarted an ambitious project: a new natural gas pipeline stretching from the Ennore LNG Terminal in Tamil Nadu to Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is a strategic move to address the growing energy needs of both states.
This proposed pipeline, envisioned as approximately 450 kilometers long, will weave through key locations including Ennore, Nellore, Ongole, Guntur, Amravati, and Kondapalli. The PNGRB, which recently launched a public consultation process for this project, highlighted that the system will boast a minimum capacity of 5 Million Metric Standard Cubic Meters per Day (MMSCMD), including its common carrier capacity.
The timing of this project aligns perfectly with the Andhra Pradesh government’s strong focus on accelerating industrial development. A reliable supply of natural gas is expected to be a major catalyst, attracting new industries to the region. Beyond industrial benefits, this pipeline will also form a crucial backbone for expanding City Gas Distribution networks, ensuring piped natural gas reaches homes and enabling more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations for vehicles.
Adding to this momentum, IndianOil LNG, a joint venture involving the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation and the force behind the existing Ennore LNG import terminal near Chennai’s Kamarajar Port, revealed plans in November 2023 to significantly expand its facility. They aim to double its capacity to a massive 10 million tonnes per annum, backed by an investment exceeding ₹3,000 crore. This expansion will undoubtedly bolster the supply for the new pipeline, securing a brighter energy future for the region.