State gas utility, GAIL India is reportedly aiming to buy 25 spot cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2013, up from 16-17 this year. This month the gas transmission firm will be receiving the first cargo from Gazprom to start its Dabhol LNG terminal. The start of the 5 million tonnes a year terminal has seen repeated delays.
Besides, GAIL is keen to buy the Asian Development Bank's 5.25% stake in the country's largest LNG importer Petronet LNG, despite government opposition. It is strategically important for GAIL, as a major gas player, to have its arrangement in the LNG value chain and the entire infrastructure related to the import and supply of gas.
GAIL is India's flagship natural gas company integrating all aspects of the natural gas value chain including exploration and production, processing, transmission, distribution and marketing and related services.
