Advocating open ATF pipelines at airports, oil regulator urges

29 Feb 2024 CW Team

The PNGRB has called for input from the public and various stakeholders, including oil marketing companies (OMCs), airport operators, and airline operators, regarding the establishment of ATF pipelines linking different greenfield and brownfield airports in India.

In a notice inviting comments, the regulator stated, "Pipelines are the most cost-effective means of liquid fuel transport, whereas road transport incurs significant expenses. Considering the substantial proportion of ATF price in airline costs, the provision of pipelines could lead to a reduction in air travel expenses."

Despite an open fuel market within airport premises, the absence of a common carrier pipeline impedes the realization of an open market objective.

The regulator expressed the need to designate other ATF pipelines, currently operated by OMCs, as common/contract carriers. This decision aims to enable other OMCs to utilize these pipelines for transporting their products, fostering competitiveness within the industry.

Moreover, to guarantee a secure fuel supply, it is deemed desirable to have multiple pipeline supplies to major airports. Additionally, the regulator emphasized the importance of declaring existing pipelines as common carriers, particularly due to the historical dominance of government-owned ATF marketing companies. This step would allow private marketers access to these pipelines and accommodate the increasing fuel demand in the aviation sector.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has put forth a proposal suggesting the delivery of jet fuel or ATF (aviation turbine fuel) to all current and future airports through pipelines that are open for access by any supplier. The aim is to introduce competition and reduce fuel costs. Currently, ATF is transported via road and rail networks, and only a limited number of airports are connected to pipelines. Even in cases where pipelines exist, they operate on a non-open access basis, restricting the supply of jet fuel solely to the company responsible for their installation. The PNGRB has called for input from the public and various stakeholders, including oil marketing companies (OMCs), airport operators, and airline operators, regarding the establishment of ATF pipelines linking different greenfield and brownfield airports in India. In a notice inviting comments, the regulator stated, Pipelines are the most cost-effective means of liquid fuel transport, whereas road transport incurs significant expenses. Considering the substantial proportion of ATF price in airline costs, the provision of pipelines could lead to a reduction in air travel expenses. Despite an open fuel market within airport premises, the absence of a common carrier pipeline impedes the realization of an open market objective. The regulator expressed the need to designate other ATF pipelines, currently operated by OMCs, as common/contract carriers. This decision aims to enable other OMCs to utilize these pipelines for transporting their products, fostering competitiveness within the industry. Moreover, to guarantee a secure fuel supply, it is deemed desirable to have multiple pipeline supplies to major airports. Additionally, the regulator emphasized the importance of declaring existing pipelines as common carriers, particularly due to the historical dominance of government-owned ATF marketing companies. This step would allow private marketers access to these pipelines and accommodate the increasing fuel demand in the aviation sector.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..