Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell

The Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell is the data backbone of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It recently celebrated its 22^nd foundation day. It was inaugurated on 3rd April 2002, PPAC has been instrumental in maintaining a reliable and comprehensive database on the Indian oil and gas sector.

The Birth of PPAC

PPAC’s establishment was a significant step towards maintaining accurate and reliable data on the Indian oil and gas sector. Its mission is to strengthen the existing data system, render effective assistance to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, monitor and analyze developments in the domestic oil and gas sector, and undertake analysis of domestic and international energy markets.

PPAC’s Role in the Switchover to a De-regulated Market

PPAC played a significant role in the switchover to a de-regulated market. It helped in the formulation of policies and measures for the dismantling of the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) and the introduction of a market-based system for the sale of petroleum products. PPAC also assisted in the implementation of various schemes such as the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

PPAC’s Schemes

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May 2016, with the aim of providing LPG connections to poor households. Under this scheme, PPAC played a pivotal role in the identification of beneficiaries and their enrollment in the scheme.

PPAC also played a critical role in the implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) scheme, which was launched in November 2014. This scheme aimed to transfer the subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of consumers, thus preventing leakages and ensuring efficient delivery of services.

PM Garib Kalyan Yojna was a scheme launched to provide relief to the poor during the Covid-19 pandemic. PPAC’s mandate was to assist the government in the administration of subsidy on PDS Kerosene and domestic LPG and freight subsidy for far-flung areas.

PPAC’s Recent Event

The event celebrating 22nd foundation day of PPAC witnessed the launch of the app version of the immensely popular PPAC website and the announcement of the proposed publication of a bi-annual journal on energy to disseminate collective knowledge of the sector.

Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs