Government Initiatives Aim to Triple Natural Gas Consumption by 2030: Minister Hardeep Puri

In a bid to revolutionise the energy landscape and promote sustainable development, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) concluded the 12th City Gas Distribution (CGD) Bidding Round, paving the way for comprehensive coverage of the country's area. The event, graced by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing, and Urban Affairs, witnessed the distribution of Letters of Intent to successful bidders, marking a significant milestone in India's energy sector.

"The government's current plans would triple natural gas consumption from 185 MMSCMD to 500 MMSCMD by 2030, supporting auxiliary businesses that rely on natural gas.This demonstrates the government's dedication to supporting a healthy ecology for the production and distribution of natural gas", Minister Puri added.

The Minister lauded PNGRB's efforts in implementing unified tariff reforms, emphasising their positive impact on consumers, particularly in remote areas. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, PNGRB, and successful bidders in fortifying the nation's oil and gas infrastructure.

Regarding the 12th CGD Bidding Round, Minister Puri provided insights into its scope, covering 8 geographical areas spanning across the North East States and Union Territories. He highlighted the anticipated investment of Rs. 41,000 crore, poised to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth and development.

Minister Puri gave an overview of the vast network of trunk pipelines that make up the nation's natural gas infrastructure, highlighting its operating capability. He credited India's strong gas grid for the development of 6,258 CNG stations and more than 1.21 crore household PNG connections.

Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of PNGRB, said; The board's commitment to creating a sustainable gas infrastructure nationwide. He highlighted the strategic importance of expanding CGD networks in ecologically sensitive regions, aiming to provide cleaner fuel alternatives to households and industries.

Shri Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, praised PNGRB's strides in advancing the CGD sector, particularly in challenging areas requiring higher capital investment. He stressed the need for accelerating PNG and CNG connections, advocating for the transition of existing industries to natural gas, citing its stable and competitive pricing.

"The current measures planned by the Government shall lead to three-fold rise in Natural Gas consumption i.e. 185 MMSCMD to 500 MMSCMD by 2030, promoting ancillary industries dependent on Natural Gas."Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in statement.

"In order to offer natural gas to end users at a steady price, the government has set a goal of investing $67 billion in the natural gas sector over the next six years" Minister said.

Minister Puri highlighted, "The nation's efforts to promote natural gas have received assistance in past years from the policy and regulatory framework."

India is on track to attain full coverage of the CGD network following the successful conclusion of the 12th CGD Bidding Round and the approval of new Geographical Areas. This represents a noteworthy advancement towards a gas-based economy and environmental preservation.