India Boosts Natural Gas Push for Cleaner Energy Future
India’s government is ramping up efforts to make piped natural gas (PNG) a bigger part of everyday life, teaming it up with renewable energy sources and gas-based power plants. They’re also eyeing big growth in compressed biogas (CBG), hydrogen, and LNG for mobility to create a greener energy mix.
At the ASSOCHAM India Gas Infrastructure Conference in New Delhi, Anjan Kumar Mishra, Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), shared exciting plans. "With teamwork from the industry and smart policies, we can push natural gas’s share in India’s energy mix way past 15 percent," he said. "This will bring clean, affordable energy to every home."
Mishra praised how the sector has made business easier, especially by switching households from LPG cylinders to PNG connections. He highlighted progress in rural areas, where teams are laying pipelines to expand access. "We need everyone’s commitment to build strong gas infrastructure," he added. "It fits India’s goals for sustainable growth and zero carbon emissions." Over recent years, the government has authorized over 300 areas for development, boosted rural reach, and simplified operations.
Akhil Mehrotra, Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s Task Force on Hydrocarbons and MD of Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, called for quicker rollout of city gas networks. He stressed a solid "gas to power" plan to integrate renewables better, add energy storage, and build a strong system for vehicles using LNG and CNG.
Mohit Bhatia, Director of Commercial at Indraprastha Gas Ltd, called the 15 percent natural gas target by 2030 a real action plan, not just a dream. He spotlighted the City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector’s role in cleaner air and healthier lives. "Each new pipeline, CNG station, and home connection gets us closer to pollution-free cities and strong industries," Bhatia said.
India now ranks as the world’s fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and Bhatia sees huge potential ahead. Expanded regasification plants, innovative SSLNG hubs, and open gas trading platforms will drive this forward. As a key bridge fuel for cutting carbon, natural gas can slash factory emissions, upgrade transport, and support steady renewable power supply.
These steps show India’s commitment to a balanced, eco-friendly energy shift, making natural gas a star in the journey to sustainability.
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