Kolkata: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has started to cast a shadow over Kolkata’s gas distribution network, with state-run gas major GAIL warning operators that it may invoke the force majeure clause on natural gas supplies if the situation worsens. GAIL wrote to city gas operators, including Bengal Gas Company Ltd, which supplies compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) in Kolkata and adjoining districts, cautioning that the war situation in the Gulf could affect gas supplies. Bengal Gas is the authorised licensee for city gas distribution in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and parts of Howrah and Hooghly. Force majeure is a contractual provision that frees parties from their obligations when extraordinary events beyond their control prevent them from fulfilling contractual commitments. India imports a substantial portion of its natural gas, including LNG, from Gulf countries such as Qatar, making the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions in the region. However, officials associated with Bengal Gas said there is currently no disruption in upstream gas supply. “As of now, there is no supply issue in the upstream pipeline from where we receive gas. But if the force majeure clause is invoked, supply conditions could change with a 24-hour notice,” a source in Bengal Gas said. Now, there are around 25 CNG stations in and around Kolkata under the Bengal Gas network.
