After having written to the power ministry about NTPC’s decision to buy 6-7 million metric standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd) of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) instead of purchasing KG-D6 gas, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) seems to have started informing state governments about the possible burden NTPC’s move would create for state electricity boards.
Reliance has already written a letter addressed to the Gujarat government’s Principal Secretary (Energy and Petrochemicals) S Jagadeesan, who is also the chairman of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) — the apex electricity company of the state. The company conveyed to the Gujarat government that NTPC’s decision to forego KG-D6 gas and purchase 6 mmscmd of RLNG could potentially increase NTPC’s cost of power by Rs 1,500 crore per annum, or Rs 15,000 crore in 10 years. At present, NTPC buys RLNG on spot basis and has contracted to buy RLNG on a term basis for 10 years.