PNGRB: It will learn it the hard way – 4 Jul 2025

This PNGRB is an entity that we like, it is always up to something or other. Well meaning? Yes the intent is right but they do not get it right most of the time. The depth is shallow, but they will learn it the hard way. like us doing this job for four decades, we learnt it the hard way how it all functions, eventually. Here are a set of new things they are trying and this is what we have to say

PNGRB’s “unified tariff” push risks igniting new regional fault lines in gas pricing As the Board pushes for "One Nation, One Tariff", producers near gas sources may lose competitive advantage, triggering regional tensions.

Gas exchange dreams or market makeover mirage? PNGRB’s global ambitions under scrutiny Aiming to build a global-standard gas exchange, PNGRB faces serious liquidity and participation gaps at home.

India’s gas regulator wants hydrogen pipelines before the molecule itself With no commercial hydrogen flows yet, PNGRB is drafting pipeline standards and blending norms—risking overreach.

From tariffs to transmission: PNGRB readies blueprint for unbundling the gas monopoly Plans for an independent transmission operator mark the correct shift—but legacy players may resist hard.

CBG rollout meets pipe reality: PNGRB sets 130-plant hook-up target—but who’ll pay? The regulator wants full CGD connectivity for CBG plants, but funding and pipeline ownership remain in limbo.

Pipeline push to defence and NEZs: Will fast-tracked gas access outrun demand? PNGRB eyes PSUs, refineries, and industrial clusters for rapid pipeline expansion—but demand-side viability is unclear.

India’s gas regulator wants to rate its own: sector awards to be handed out by PNGRB itself A self-declared 'excellence program' raises eyebrows—can a regulator credibly award the entities it polices?

Penalty provisions get teeth: PNGRB plans tougher safety rules in line with global norms New T4S and ERDMP reforms may finally bring meaningful deterrents, targeting long-ignored compliance gaps.

India’s LNG strategy goes micro: PNGRB bats for SSLNG, flex stations and island coverage Plans for decentralised LNG distribution could disrupt the gas logistics map—but real execution may prove tougher.

Legal division on overdrive: PNGRB to draft consumer and data protection norms for gas sector New regulations aim to standardize data collection and empower gas consumers—adding regulatory complexity to operators.

Co-retailing plan to blur lines between gas and oil retail? By pushing to allow diesel and petrol sales at CNG stations, PNGRB may trigger fresh turf battles in retail.

POL logistics gets a national plan—but will anyone stick to it? The proposed national distribution logistics roadmap for petroleum products lacks clarity on enforcement and inter-agency buy-in.

Smart meters, smart stoves, and smart delays? PNGRB’s tech push faces execution hurdles From digital meters to PNG stoves, the Board’s tech-forward vision may get stuck in state-level inertia and vendor issues.