Union Cabinet approves expansion of Numaligarh refinery in Assam

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for the capacity expansion project of Numaligarh Refinery from 3 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) to 9 MMTPA.
The expansion project involves setting up a crude oil pipeline from Paradip in Odisha to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri in West Bengal. The expansion is expected to be completed by within a period of 48 months, after approval and receipt of statutory clearances.

Funding the Project

The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 22,594 crore. The Numaligarh Refinery will raise a debt of Rs.15,102 crore and would contribute Rs.2,307 crore from its internal accrual. The promoters of NRL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Oil India Ltd & Government of Assam (GoA) will contribute to equity and the government of India would provide a Viability Gap Funding of Rs.1,020 crore.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) was set up at Numaligarh in the district of Golaghat (Assam) in accordance with the provisions made in the historic Assam Accord. The NRL was conceived as a vehicle for speedy industrial and economic development of the region.
The promoters of the NRL are Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Oil India Ltd & Government of Assam (GoA).
The expansion of the NRL will aid in meeting the deficit of petroleum products in the North East and also sustain the operations of all North East refineries by augmenting their crude availability. Together with generating direct and indirect employment in Assam and it is the driver of Government’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North East.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2019