Indian LNG moves beyond pipe dream

New Delhi needs more than big spending promises to ensure the competitiveness of gas against cheap incumbent alternatives

The Indian government has reassured energy majors over the future trajectory of natural gas demand by pledging $60bn for a national pipeline network that would link all mainland states and union territories over the next five years. “India will be connected by a pipeline grid that will transport gas from anywhere in the country” to demand centres by the end of 2024, said Indian petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan on 13 October. “The role of the private sector—both domestic and from overseas—will remain crucial for investment and innovations for the future energy landscape.” Distribution remains a critical obstacle to government plans to increase the share of gas in the ener