Section 5(4) in The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines) Regulations, 2010
(4)The Board shall, based on the views received within a period of thirty days ofter the last day of the public consultation period decide-(a)not to allow the proposed petroleum and petroleum products pipeline if, it is convinced that, instead of laying, building or expanding the proposed petroleum and petroleum products pipeline, the projected potential demand could be better met in cost-effective manner by expansion of an existing pipeline or any other ground; or(b)to go ahead with the proposal with or without modification:Provided 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 ensuring adequate availability of petroleum products throughout the country;(iv)protection of consumer interest;(v)facilitating rapid development of petroleum and petroleum products pipeline, infrastructure;
