Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has announced the successful commissioning of its state-of-the-art LNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara, Gujarat. This landmark facility marks a significant step toward achieving the Government of India’s vision of increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s energy basket to 15% by 2030, enhancing energy security, and reducing carbon emissions.
The LNG carrier Maran Gas Coronis, carrying the commissioning cargo, berthed at the terminal on January 6, 2025, and successfully discharged its cargo into the onshore LNG tanks on January 12, 2025. The auxiliary units at the terminal are in advanced stages of commissioning and will be operational shortly. The project, executed with an impeccable safety record of zero Lost Time Accidents (LTA) over 28.5 million manhours, represents an investment of approximately ₹4,750 crores (₹47.50 billion) by HPCL LNG Ltd. (HPLNG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HPCL.
A Game-Changer in the Natural Gas Value Chain
Located at Chhara Port in Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat, the terminal is equipped with cutting-edge facilities for LNG receipt, marine unloading, storage, road tanker loading, regasification, and supply of regasified LNG to the national gas grid. With an initial regasification capacity of 5 MMTPA, expandable to 10 MMTPA, and a gross storage capacity of 400,000 cubic meters in two tanks—the largest in India—the terminal is set to become a cornerstone of India’s natural gas infrastructure.
The terminal operates on a tolling model, allowing third-party users to access its services through long-term capacity booking contracts and Master Regasification Agreements for spot cargoes.
HPCL’s Comprehensive Gas Business Strategy
The Chhara terminal is a vital component of HPCL’s strategy to expand its footprint across the natural gas value chain. Beyond LNG imports, HPCL is driving initiatives in multiple segments, including:
• City Gas Distribution (CGD): HPCL and its joint ventures are developing CGD networks across 25 Geographical Areas spanning 70 districts in 15 states.
• LNG Retailing: HPCL is championing energy diversification and sustainability with operational LNG dispensing facilities at key locations, including Oran (Gujarat), Satara (Maharashtra), Ajmer (Rajasthan), and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), with seven additional stations in the pipeline.
• Infrastructure Development: HPCL is actively participating in cross-country pipeline networks and expanding its portfolio of indigenous gas and imported LNG to meet the demands of refineries, CGD networks, and bulk consumers.
Accelerating India’s Energy Transition
The commissioning of the Chhara LNG terminal reinforces HPCL’s commitment to contributing to India’s energy transition. The terminal is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing energy accessibility, diversifying the energy mix, and driving the adoption of cleaner fuels.
As India strides toward its ambitious goal of a 15% natural gas share in its energy basket by 2030, HPCL remains steadfast in its mission to support the nation’s energy security and environmental sustainability.
