Advocating open ATF pipelines at airports, oil regulator urges
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Advocating open ATF pipelines at airports, oil regulator urges

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?