According to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, India will invest a sizable amount — Rs 410 billion — into the expansion of its natural gas network in the Kashmir and northeastern regions. This significant investment will fuel the rollout of city gas networks, providing retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households over the coming years.
The 12th city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round, encompassing eight geographical areas (GAs), witnessed participation from esteemed entities such as Oil India Ltd (OIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).
Minister Puri emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting natural gas as a fuel for transportation, domestic use, and industrial purposes, aligning with the vision to transform India into a gas-based economy. Developing a robust gas infrastructure ecosystem has paved the way for significant investments, fostering cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Moreover, reforms in gas pricing and regulatory measures by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) aim to ensure equitable access to natural gas across the nation. The 12th CGD bidding round, spanning six northeastern states and two Union Territories, marks a significant step towards expanding India’s natural gas footprint and achieving greater energy security and sustainability.
