New Delhi
India plans to raise the share of natural gas in its total energy mix to 15 percent by 2030, up from the present level of about six percent, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. He explained that this step will reduce the country’s carbon footprint and help move towards cleaner energy.
Sharing details on social media, Puri said India will add 49 new LNG dispensing stations by December, alongside 13 already in operation. India, currently the world’s fourth-largest gas importer, has eight LNG terminals with a combined capacity of 52.7 million tonnes per year. By 2030, the capacity is expected to increase to 66.7 million tonnes annually with 10 terminals.
Calling LNG “India’s bridge to a greener, secure future,” Puri underlined the government’s long-term focus on sustainable energy. He also addressed the 9th brainstorming session on ‘Challenges of the Indian Oil and Gas Sector’ held in Goa. Discussions included improving seismic data acquisition, upgrading technology and equipment, and enhancing manpower capability.
The minister reviewed progress in drilling projects, including offshore drilling, and highlighted the need to cut costs while adopting global best practices. He also stressed on boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative by developing India into a hub for energy machinery and components.
Puri said efforts are underway to strengthen shipbuilding capacity at Indian shipyards for LNG and LPG carriers, as well as crude carriers like Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).
Last month, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited signed a 10-year deal with ADNOC Gas of the UAE to secure LNG supplies, further deepening India’s energy ties with the Gulf nation.
