VINOD BHAT
Government have launched Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016. Under this policy, Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) was started. A total of 172 exploration blocks under OALP bid Round I to IX covering 3,78,652 Square Kilometer have been awarded to successful bidders. Further, OALP bid Round X offering 25 explorations blocks covering 1,91,986.21 sq. km has been launched on 15.04.2025.
The total capacity of existing 08 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in India is 52.7 million Metric Tonne Per Annum (MMTPA). 13 LNG retail stations have so far been commissioned by State owned Oil and Gas companies. Further, 16 LNG retail stations owned by private entities are also operational.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorized CGD entities to develop City Gas Distribution network in 307 geographical areas (GAs) covering almost 100% of the country’s mainland (excluding islands). As on 31.05.2025, various CGD entities have provided 1.50 Crores domestic PNG connections and commissioned 8,083 CNG Stations.
The Government have launched National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023 with an objective to make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, by targeting production of 5 MMT per annum of Green Hydrogen by 2030.
Further, the National policy on Biofuels 2018, as amended in 2022, inter-alia advanced the target of 20% blending of Ethanol in petrol from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. During the ongoing ESY 2025-26, Public Sector Oil Marketing (OMCs) have achieved an average ethanol blending of 18.93% as on 30.06.2025.
Government have also launched “Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT)” initiative on 1st October 2018 to promote the production of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) from various waste/ biomass sources in the country and for promoting its use along with Natural Gas.
This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
