Dreams in the Pipeline

FEASIBILITY: Since Lahore is just 35 km from the Indian border, extending it into India won’t be a problem

WORRY FACTOR: BHP assessment says pipeline is not possible since a large chunk has been committed to Russia. Also building over a hilly terrain will be tough. Security is the big concern given the volatile region

2. Dolphin project
Originating from Oman, it winds through the UAE with a possibility of getting extended to Pakistan and onwards into India

WORRY FACTOR: It’s unlikely to be extended to South Asia unless the gas pricing issue with UAE is resolved. The other is a technology problem: it will have to cross through some deep-sea trenches deeper than 3,000 metre

3. Iran to India
A study is due in January but likely option is onland from Assaluyeh through Bandar Abbas-Panjgur to Khazdar-Jacobabad-Sukkiat in Pakistan, ending in Rajasthan

FEASIBILITY: According to project consultant BHP Biliton, this onland option is the most viable of the lot

WORRY FACTOR: Security is an obvious concern. New Delhi is worried about disruption in supplies in case Indo-Pak relations deteriorate

4. Myanmar-India
India has equity gas in Myanmar as ONGC Videsh and GAIL (India) are partners in block A-1 which can feed one-third of India’s present supplies for 20 years

FEASIBILITY: Proximity to India is a definite plus

WORRY FACTOR: The shortest route is through Bangladesh but it’s stuck because of Dhaka’s demand for a transit fee. The other option is either an onland pipeline through northeast India, skirting Bangladesh or a deepwater pipeline outside Bangladesh’s territorial waters