Assam to be oil exporting hub

GS 3: Economy |Energy Infrastructure

Why in News?

Assam is slated to soon become one of India’s major oil exporting hubs catering to the eastern neighbours of the country and Southeast Asia.

Highlights:

  • There are slew of projects for augmenting oil exploration, refining and transportation capacity in various stages of completion in the region.
  • Eight of these projects under Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east India.
  • Assam will soon send petrol and diesel to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Southeast Asian countries.

Objectives:

  • To leverage the region’s hydrocarbon potential, enhance access to clean fuels, improve availability of petroleum products, facilitate economic development and to link common people to the economic activities in this sector.
  • The states covered include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The Ministry also undertook series of consultations with the state governments while drafting the vision document.

Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east India:

  • The Vision Document has been a focused and consultative exercise to develop a common and shared aspiration for benefiting people of the north east region.
  • With involvement and inputs of various stakeholders, industry players and state governments, the Vision document not only includes the ambition for the region but also an actionable roadmap.
  • The policy focus areas include moderation in light of specific terrain and weather conditions of the region coupled with ensuring fund planning for new projects.
  • In projects, the focus is on pipeline connectivity for carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and petroleum products, oil and lubricants (POL); building refineries and import links; and development of compressed natural gas (CNG) highways and city gas distribution network.
  • The production side emphases include production enhancement contracts, technology deployment and fast-track clearance, and development of service provider hubs.
  • The Vision rests on five pillars;
    • People
    • Policy
    • Partnership
    • Projects
    • Production

    Share Socially