Puthuvype terminal is safe: Indian Oil Corporation

KOCHI: The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has allayed fears raised by a section of people over the construction of an LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvype by stating that the company has been undertaking the project after taking into account all mandatory safety precautions. The project, part of Rs 2,200 cr venture which included another LPG Terminal at Palakkad in partnership with BPCL, has been launched after receiving all statutory approvals including environmental clearances.

“The LPG storage tanks will be in the form of “Mounded Bullets” which is the safest method of storing LPG worldwide,” IOCL said on Friday. The tanks are covered by reinforced cement concrete walls on all sides.  The IIT, Chennai had conducted a study on the seashore protection aspect of the LPG Import Terminal Project and have already given their clearance for the same. According to the IOCL the LPG import terminal and the pipeline would ensure a smooth and safe transportation of LPG. “The transportation of LPG through pipeline would help us avoid 500 Bullet Trucks on the road thereby reducing road traffic,” it said.

The state government is expected to earn an additional tax revenue of around Rs 150 crore per annum. Decrying the attempt to disrupt the work of the project IOCL has stated that any delay in implementing the project will result in huge cost overruns besides leading to a shortage of LPG in the market. The IOCL also pointed out that Petronet LNG Terminal and Oil Terminal of BPCL are working without any problem in a place close to the IOCL project. IOCL is also setting up the Ernakulam City Gas Project in collaboration with Adani Group.   The first CNG retail outlet is expected to be commissioned shortly, it said.  Investments on setting up LNG and LCNG stations are also underway for providing greener fuels with lesser environmental impact.   The total investment of IOCL in the state will be to the tune of Rs 5,400 crore, it added.