Guidelines for Transporting Petroleum Products by Road
Context:
In response to recent accidents involving trucks carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has introduced stricter guidelines for the transportation of petroleum products by road.
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- The new regulations prohibit the transportation of these products between 11 PM and 6 AM and mandate quarterly inspections of vehicles to ensure all safety fittings are properly installed, maintained, and tested.
Preference for Pipelines and Railways
- The PNGRB has recommended reducing road transportation of bulk petroleum products over long distances and instead utilising pipelines or railway rakes.
- The board also suggested that spare pipeline capacity of oil marketing companies be used for product sharing or as common carriers to facilitate the transportation of petroleum products more safely and efficiently.
- On December 10, the regulator proposed the development of nine LPG pipelines with a total length of 3,470 kilometers.
- These pipelines would connect 50 bottling plants with ports and refineries, significantly reducing reliance on road transport.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is a statutory body established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 in India. It is responsible for regulating downstream activities in the petroleum and natural gas sector, which include refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and the sale of petroleum products and natural gas. The PNGRB is led by a chairman and includes members from various fields such as commerce and marketing, legal, information technology, and marketing.
Key Responsibilities of PNGRB:
- Regulation of Downstream Activities: PNGRB oversees the refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and sale of petroleum and natural gas products. However, it does not regulate the production of crude oil and natural gas.
- Promotion of Competitive Markets: The board aims to ensure competitive markets in the oil and natural gas sectors, promoting consumer interests and investment.
- Consumer Protection: PNGRB works to protect consumer interests by ensuring uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum products and natural gas across the country.
Emphasis on Public Safety
- PNGRB emphasised that commercial viability should not be the sole consideration when deciding on a mode of transport; public safety must also be a priority, particularly when transporting petroleum products over long distances or through congested areas.
- To enhance safety, oil marketing companies have been instructed to develop comprehensive journey management plans.
- These plans should include designated stops along specific routes, awareness programs for drivers and crews about accident-prone areas, emergency response measures, and weather forecasts for the travel route.
Stricter Work Hour Regulations
- The new guidelines also specify that transport workers should not be required to work more than eight hours a day or 48 hours a week, ensuring better working conditions and reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
