Section 5(4) in The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Natural Gas Pipelines) Regulations, 2008
(4)The Board shall, based on the views received, within a period of forty five days after the last day of the public consultation period decide-(a)to reject the expression of interest on grounds of non-availability of natural gas;(b)not to allow the proposed natural gas pipeline if it is convinced that, instead of laying, building or expanding the proposed natural gas pipeline, the projected potential demand could be better met in cost effective manner by expansion of an existing pipeline; or(c)to go ahead with the proposal with or without modification:Provided that, if required, the Board may also hold an open house discussion with the entities who have offered their views to arrive at a decision:Provided further that the Board in deciding so shall be guided by one or more of the following objectives, namely:-(i)promoting competition among entities;(ii)avoiding infructuous investment;·(iii)maintaining or increasing supplies or for securing equitable distribution or ensure adequate availability of natural gas throughout the country;(iv)protection of customers' interest in terms of availability of natural gas at reasonable natural gas pipeline tariff;(v)incentivizing rapid development of natural gas pipeline infrastructure.
