PNG up five times, LPG doubled and ethanol blending up 10 times over last decade, says Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted a significant increase in piped gas connections in India, which surged to 1.32 crore in 2024 from 25 lakh in 2014. He stated, "Over the past decade, major reforms have reshaped our energy sector, enhancing energy availability, affordability, and sustainability." In a social media post, he detailed five strategies for energy independence. He noted that India’s refining capacity has risen to 256.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) from 215 million in 2014. Additionally, ethanol blending in petrol has increased to 15% in 2024, up from 1.53% in 2014. The number of LPG connections has grown significantly, from 14.52 crore in 2014 to over 32.73 crore as of August 1, 2024, including 10.33 crore PMUY connections. The natural gas pipeline network has expanded from 15,000 km in 2014 to 24,881 km in 2024.

He also addressed fuel prices, noting that India has managed to insulate itself from rising global fuel prices by reducing excise duty by the central government. "Between January 2022 and July 2024, India successfully maintained steady fuel prices, even as many advanced nations faced significant increases," he stated. On August 14, he announced an increase in the capacity of Petronet LNG's Dahej terminal to 22.5 MMTPA from 17.5 MMTPA, supporting India’s goal of energy self-sufficiency. The Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat remains India’s largest single-location LNG storage and regasification facility.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.