Older private terminals at major ports to gain pricing autonomy

31 Aug 2023 CW Team

Cargo terminals operated by private firms in major ports before the 2021 implementation of the Major Port Authorities Act may soon be allowed to impose market rates for their services. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has convened a panel to explore enabling older public-private partnership (PPP) cargo terminal operators to transition to market-driven pricing, akin to the new law's provisions for post-2021 private cargo handlers.

The Major Port Authorities Act granted pricing freedom to the 11 governed ports and recently established private cargo terminals, thereby abolishing the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) that regulated state-run ports. However, the fate of existing private terminals remained uncertain until this development.

The panel, chaired by Sanjay Sethi, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, is tasked with proposing guidelines for the migration process. This decision is highly anticipated within the port sector, as it will ensure that older private operators can shift to market-driven pricing without violating existing concession agreements.

Under consideration is a mechanism where older terminals can levy market-driven rates, while the royalty or revenue share due to port authorities would be based on these rates, accounting for minimum guaranteed throughput (MGT) stipulated in contracts. This approach safeguards volumes while allowing operators to adopt market pricing.

The move will level the playing field between major and non-major ports, encouraging investment and revitalising stressed terminals. Transparency will be upheld through regular rate updates on operators' websites and indexed market rates. By bringing all terminal operators on par, the Ministry aims to establish a cohesive framework for sustainable growth in the sector.

Infrastructure Energy

08 Oct 2025

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..

ONGC To Invest Rs 8.11 Billion In Andhra Onshore Oil, Gas Project

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is set to invest Rs 8.11 billion for the onshore development and production of oil and gas from 172 wells across eight Production Mining Licence (PML) blocks in Andhra Pradesh.A committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the project during a review meeting held last month.According to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) minutes, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 8.11 billion, with a capital allocation of Rs 172 million towards the Environment Managem..

Tripura To Supply 40 MW Power To Mizoram For Christmas

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) will supply 40 megawatts (MW) of power to Mizoram during the upcoming Christmas celebrations, continuing a long-standing tradition of power exchange between the two north-eastern states, officials confirmed on Sunday.During Durga Puja, the Mizoram State Power Corporation (MSPC) had supplied an equivalent 40 MW of electricity to Tripura to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the festive period.“We had an agreement to receive 40 MW during Durga Puja, although the full amount was not utilised due to lower-than-expected demand in ..