PNGRB has called out Petronet LNG for profiting at the expense of gas consumers and is pushing for a framework to regulate its regasification activities. The regulator criticized the company for “profiting immensely” by annually increasing tariffs at its Dahej terminal while failing to pass on the benefits of capacity expansions and improved utilization.
Citi reiterated its “sell” rating on Petronet LNG with a target price of Rs 310, implying a downside potential of over 4% from current levels. The brokerage flagged growing regulatory risks as a key concern.
“Rising charges while capacities have increased along with over 90% capacity utilisation has led to the company (Petronet LNG) being able to profit immensely at the cost of gas consumers,” PNGRB recently said in a paper, adding that “as new terminals are established nationwide, they follow the same tariff basis as Dahej, which needs reconsideration.”
The regulator believes that bringing regasification activities under its control will ensure fair pricing and more efficient use of LNG import infrastructure. Regasification is the process of converting liquefied natural gas back into its natural gas form.
Citi highlighted PNGRB’s criticism of the company for “profiting immensely at the cost of gas consumers” by annually escalating regasification tariffs at its Dahej terminal. The regulator also flagged the company’s failure to pass on the benefits of capacity expansions and improved utilization rates to its customers.The brokerage warned that PNGRB’s stance introduces significant regulatory uncertainty, posing risks to the sustainability of Petronet LNG’s historically strong pricing power. This adds to concerns over the long-term stability of the company’s profit margins, particularly in the face of escalating scrutiny.Also read | ITC Hotels demerger: Record date, demerger ratio, price target and other details to know
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