Section 5(4)(a) in The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines) Regulations, 2010
(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