The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is a ministry of the government of India responsible for the exploration, production, refining, distribution, marketing, import, export, and conservation of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas in the country.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Construction of Oil & Gas Pipelines
- Plans, approves, and oversees construction of:
- Crude oil pipelines
- LPG pipelines
- Natural gas pipelines (part of the National Gas Grid)
- Ensures technical design, route alignment, and safety compliance.
- Collaborates with PSU companies like GAIL, IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL.
2. Development of Refineries & Petrochemical Plants
- Supervises construction and expansion of:
- Refinery units
- Petrochemical complexes
- Fractionators and catalytic crackers
- Ensures adherence to global construction standards, quality control, and environmental norms.
3. City Gas Distribution (CGD) Networks
- Oversees rollout of infrastructure like:
- Underground gas pipelines (MDPE/steel)
- CNG stations
- Gas regulating stations
- Household gas connections
- Provides licenses and construction timelines through PNGRB (Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board).
4. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Facilities
- Responsible for planning and constructing:
- Underground crude oil storage caverns (e.g., at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur, and upcoming Chandikhole)
- Storage terminals and pumping stations
- Ensures seismic safety, fire protection, and design longevity.
5. Safety Audits and Construction Standards
- Sets safety and construction standards via:
- Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD)
- PNGRB Regulations
- Monitors pipeline laying, trenching, welding, testing, and commissioning for compliance.
6. Integration with National Infrastructure
- Uses the Gati Shakti Master Plan to coordinate and optimize construction of pipeline corridors alongside roads, rail, and power lines.
- Helps reduce land acquisition delays and overlaps.
7. Environmental and Statutory Clearances
- Coordinates for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and clearances required for large-scale pipeline and refinery projects.
- Ensures construction projects meet Ministry of Environment (MoEFCC) norms.
List of Agencies under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Engineers India Limited (EIL)