India emerging refinery hub across world: PM Modi in Kochi

Prime Minister Modi who is on a day visit to southern states of Tamil Nadu and Keraladedicatedan Integrated Refinery Expansion Complex (IREP) at BPCL Kochi to the nation on Sunday.

Claiming that India was emerging as a refinery hub across the world, PM Modi said, "Indian refinery industry has done well in establishing itself as a major player globally. India, which is the second largest oil refinery in Asia, is emerging as a refinery hub with refining more than its demand. The country’s refining capacity is currently more than 247 million metric tonne per annum. I take this opportunity to congratulate all for the timely completion of IREP. The labourers are the real heroes of this project,” PM Modi said.

“Today is a historic day when the largest industrial unit of Kerala is entering in next phase of development. It is indeed a proud moment not just for Kerala, but for the entire nation. BPCL has played a critical role in popularising the clean fuel LPG among masses in Kerala and neighbouring states for more than 50 years,” he added.

“I would like to recall my childhood when I had seen many mothers struggling with the firewood stove in kitchens. Ever since, I had always thought of improving their situations and providing a healthy kitchen for them. The Ujjwala scheme of the Government of India is a way to realise the dream. I am happy that since May 2016, nearly 6 crore LPG connections have been provided to the poorest of the poor in our country under the Ujjawla scheme. Over 1 crore customers have given up LPG subsidies under 'Give it Up' initiative,” he said.

“To overcome environment pollution, the government is promoting the use of environment-friendly transport fuel i.e. CNG by expanding coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country. After successful completion of 10th CGD Bidding Round, more than 400 districts of the country will be connected for providing piped gas supply,” he added.

“I would like to recall my childhood when I had seen many mothers struggling with the firewood stove in kitchens. Ever since, I had always thought of improving their situations and providing a healthy kitchen for them. The Ujjwala scheme of the Government of India is a way to realise the dream. I am happy that since May 2016, nearly 6 crore LPG connections have been provided to the poorest of the poor in our country under the Ujjawla scheme. Over 1 crore customers have given up LPG subsidies under 'Give it Up' initiative,” he said.

“To overcome environment pollution, the government is promoting the use of environment-friendly transport fuel i.e. CNG by expanding coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country. After successful completion of 10th CGD Bidding Round, more than 400 districts of the country will be connected for providing piped gas supply,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi said that the central government is “thinking of developing additional 15,000 kilometres of the gas pipeline network".

“To cut down on the import of crude oil, the government has taken decisive steps towards reducing imports by 10 per cent and saving the precious foreign exchange,” he added.

Besides Prime Minister Modi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P. Sathasivam was also present at the venue.

(With inputs from agencies)