Centre has amended Natural Gas Tariff, Authorisation and Capacity Regulations to provide access to natural gas in far-flung areas at competitive and affordable rates.

To simplify the implementation of a unified tariff, entity level Integrated natural gas pipeline tariff has been introduced in the regulations which will act as a building block for a unified tariff at the national level. The number of unified tariff zones have also been increased from two to three to protect the overall interest of consumers in different regions.  In addition, other amendments including allowing unaccounted gas, moratorium period and ramp up in capacity have been incorporated.

The Petroleum and  Natural Gas Ministry said the amendments in three regulations are aimed at accelerating the development of the natural gas infrastructure and ushering rapid growth of the natural gas market in the country. 

These amendments will act as stepping stones for the implementation of Unified Tariff regulations which will be effective from 1st April next year.  The Ministry has also constituted an industry committee to address the settlement issues for the implementation of the Unified tariff.