New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster India’s energy security, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has officially notified Chhara Port in Gujarat for the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into India by sea.

The notification, issued under Rule 16(1) of the Petroleum Rules, 2002, empowers M/s Simar Ports Private Limited (SPPL) to handle LNG imports at Chhara Port. This step has been taken in consideration of the critical necessity to import petroleum and gas in the public interest.

Operations at Chhara Port will be carried out in compliance with the Navigational Safety at Ports Committee (NSPC) certificate. The approval is granted for a period of three years, effective from 19th May 2025 to 18th May 2028.

Earlier, in November 2024, the Union Government permitted Chhara Port for the unloading of imported goods and the loading of export goods, or any class of such goods.

Chhara Port operates under HPCL LNG Limited (HPLNG), formerly known as HPCL Shapoorji Energy Private Limited (HSEPL). The company was incorporated as a 50:50 joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and SP Ports Private Limited (SPPPL) on 15th October 2013. Subsequently, HPCL acquired the remaining 50% stake from SPPPL on 30th March 2021, making HPLNG a wholly owned subsidiary. Following this change, the company’s name was changed to HPCL LNG Limited, effective 10th September 2021.

HPLNG was established for the development, construction, and operation of a greenfield LNG terminal, which includes all facilities necessary for the receipt, unloading, storage, and regasification of LNG, as well as the supply of regasified LNG to the gas grid. The LNG terminal is situated within the boundary of the all-weather direct berthing Chhara Port located at Chhara Village, Kodinar, Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat. DeshGujarat