Bengaluru, June 18 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) organised an Investors Meet for 9th City Gas Distribution (CGD) Bidding Round at here on Monday.

PNGRB Member Dr S S Chahar speaking on the occasion said that the initiative was an attempt to provide clean energy to the consumers in Karnataka. There is an overwhelming response in the fourteen roadshows/Investors Meet held so far, where investors showed keen interest to work with us for City Gas Distribution Projects in various Geographical Areas (GAs) of India offered by PNGRB in the "9th CGD Bidding Round".

Mr Satpal Garg, Member, PNGRB said that as a part of the wider ‘Energy Security' program, the government has set a goal to reduce 10 per cent of crude oil imports by 2022. Mr Garg highlighted the focus of PNGRB on increasing the share of Natural Gas in the Energy basket of India. He also shared how City Gas Distribution (CGD) network business holds ample prospects and opportunities for the investors as it is profitable and growing business; for consumers, it is cheaper, clean and convenient fuel and for the country, it brings investment, generates employment and protects the environment.

He said PNGRB has identified 6 geographical areas covering 8 districts of Karnataka for 9th CGD Bidding Round for the investors. These include Chitradurga, Davanagere, Udupi, Bellary, Gadag, Bidar, Dakshina Kannada and Ramanagra districts. This will reduce industrial and transport pollution and gas based industries will rise in numbers creating employment opportunities in the State. CGD Network will also cover SMART Cities, which is one of the feature for qualifying as a smart city. Also, CGD networks for remaining districts/ cities are being considered in a phased /manner depending on the availability of natural gas pipeline connectivity.

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