GAIL India is in the process of making operational the long delayed LNG terminal at Dabhol in Maharashtra by month-end or by early April, Chairman and Managing Director B. C. Tripathi said here on Monday.
GAIL owns 31.52 per cent stake in Ratnagiri Gas and Power Co Ltd. (RGPL), which owns the 1,967 MW power plant and the adjacent five million tonnes a year LNG import terminal. GAIL mechanically completed the plant in late 2010 and dredging work of the sea-channel leading to the Dabhol port was completed last year.The LNG terminal will become fully operational only after the completion of the breakwater facilities in 2013-14. GAIL will be sourcing LNG from the spot market. The firm is talking to suppliers for long-term LNG supply tie-up.
GAIL and NTPC own 31.52 per cent equity stake each in RGPPL while 16.68 per cent is with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). The remaining 20.28 per cent stake is with financial institutions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tripathi said the two-day seventh Asia Gas Partnership Summit would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan here on March 23.
The summit is organised by the Federation Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, promoted by GAIL India and supported by the International Gas Union.
Over 400 delegates were expected to participate in the summit, FICCI Secretary-General Rajiv Kumar said.
