Increasing dependence on natural gas comes with supply challenges for India

Dwindling gas reserves and higher demand can put further strain

India’s intention to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix of the country will come with challenges of ensuring supply. Speaking shortly after taking charge as new minister for petroleum and natural gas, Hardeep Singh Puri reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a gas-based economy increasing the share of natural gas in primary energy mix of the country to 15 per cent by 2030.

According to industry estimates, the share of natural gas has fallen to 6.3 per cent in FY21. This is largely on account of dwindled gas output and higher energy demand of