New Delhi (NVI): “Gas has now become an important and essential part of our energy basket and is driving our energy transition,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel at the India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019 organised by FICCI here today.
Speaking about reforms in energy sector Pradhan said that during the last 5 years, various reforms have been introduced to promote the growth of the gas sector in India, including, pricing and marketing freedom, diversification of fuel sourcing, etc.
While talking about India’s transition towards gas based economy Pradhan said we are moving towards a gas based economy. Domestic production of gas in India is set to grow.
“We are investing $60 billion in gas based infrastructure. The speed and scale at which City Gas Distribution ecosystem in the country has grown in recent times is remarkable,” he added.
Speaking about the Bio energy the Minister said that just like Natural Gas, Bio energy also possesses huge potential, especially in addressing the rising environmental concerns and providing a solution to the menace of air pollution. Bio energy will contribute significantly to the nation’s ambitious target of producing 450 GW of renewables.
Pradhan also spoke about the current market scenario in which he admitted that shift has happened in the market and focus has shifted from producer to consumer. We are working with the industry closely to create value for consumers.
“We must intensify our efforts to reach out to our people in the industrial clusters and give them a comparative analysis of the benefits of gas over conventional fuel, this will further improve people’s awareness about gas and promote usage of gas, especially by our industries,” he said.
-sb
