GAIL closes Ratnagiri LNG terminal, reduces imports

19 May 2023 CW Team

GAIL (India), the company has temporarily ceased the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its Ratnagiri plant, which has an annual capacity of 5 million tonnes, since mid-May. The plant is expected to remain closed until the end of September. The shutdown during the monsoon season in the western Maharashtra state is a routine practice for GAIL due to the challenges posed by rain and high tides, which make operations difficult without a breakwater. However, it is anticipated that a breakwater will be constructed by next year, eliminating the need to close the terminal during the monsoon period. The company's most recent LNG cargo arrived at the Dabhol port on May 11, as per Refinitiv Eikon data.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board has issued a notice, viewed by Reuters, stating that restricted operations by inland vessels will be enforced during the "four weather season" from May 26 to August 31, with the aim of ensuring the safety of life and the environment.

The sources within GAIL also mentioned that the importation of LNG will be postponed until October due to the rough seas prevailing in September.

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