Ahmedabad based leading private gas distributor, Gujarat Gas Company Limited's stock rose over 10% on the back of an increase in compressed natural gas (CNG) prices by the company to Rs 32.45 per kg. The stock surged 10.21%, or Rs 36.05 to end at Rs 389. It touched a 52-week high and an intraday high of Rs 403.40 and an intraday low of Rs 352.95. There were pending sell orders of 26 shares, with no buyers available.
Why the run-up?
Following a supply crunch from its conventional sources, and an increase in input costs, the company hiked the price of CNG effective September 5, 2010 to Rs 32.45 per kg, an 8% increase over the existing price of Rs 29.96 per kg in Bharuch, Ankleshwar and Surat in Gujarat.
In 2009, the company had raised CNG prices following a weak rupee and revised electricity tariffs in the state. Over 100,000 vehicles in these towns run on CNG.
The company has been a part of the British Gas Group, a global leader in natural gas, since 1997. BG Group has a 65.12% controlling stake in GGCL. FIs, FIIs and public hold the remaining 34.88% of shares.
Since January of this year, gas prices for industrial units have gone up almost 10%. A growing demand for natural gas has put the company in a sweet spot.
It has a strong presence in Gujarat, which offers good potential for natural gas across industries. As gas supply in India increases, natural gas could become a cheaper and a superior alternative to industrial fuels like naphtha, used in power, steel and fertiliser industries.
Also, the number of vehicles using CNG is expected to rise significantly over the next five years, according to estimates of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board. Gujarat Gas is strategically well placed to take advantage of this growing demand, combined with its focus on the industrial market on the retail side. The company also has long-term contracts with domestic suppliers which provides it good revenue visibility.
