Share of gas in India's fuel basket is set to zoom to 15%

Dharmendra Pradhan launched Gas4India campaign with an aim to promote the use of gas in the country

The Narendra Modi-led government has set a roadmap to increase the share of natural gas in India’s fuel basket from 6.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

“We are targeting a share of 15 per cent of gas on India’s fuel basket, compared to 6.5 per cent now. Though a timeline has not been set, we are taking several steps in this regard,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, on the sidelines of the launching of Gas4India campaign. The campaign is aimed at promoting the use of gas in the country.

Pradhan added that the government has taken steps to enhance gas production, promoting nationwide gas grid and setting up gas infrastructure. He said that GAIL has already finished the tendering process for gas grid and actual process of laying pipelines will begin soon. “In consultation with the ministries like coal, science and technology and fertilisers, the government is taking steps to harness synthetic gas from coal-bed methane, and also promoting bio-CNG and bio-PNG.”

Through Gas4India  campaign, both public and private sector companies working in the sector have joined hands to promote the natural gas sector. The campaign includes social engagement through Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and its official blogsite, as well as hyper local, offline events to directly connect  with consumers through discussions, workshops and cultural events.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chandrajit Banerjee, director general of CII, said, “The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is proud to conceive and present the GAS4INDIA Campaign, an innovative and game changing initiative, spearheaded by the industry under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The campaign will promote increased share of gas in India’s overall energy mix to at least 15 per cent. The move towards a gas based economy will not only bring huge investments in this sector, but also will create job while showcasing India's commitment to climate change as a globally responsible economy."