India’s energy sector is set to witness advancement with the planned expansion of its natural gas pipeline network by 10,805 km, adding to the existing 24,945 km. This initiative aims to complete the national gas grid, ensuring equitable natural gas access nationwide, as per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

In parallel, the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme targets 20 percent ethanol blending by 2025, with current blending at 16.23 percent as of December 2024, up from 14.60 percent the previous year.

Over the last decade, this program has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 557 lakh tonne. Under the SATAT initiative, the ministry has commissioned 80 compressed bio-gas (CBG) plants, with 72 more under construction. Beginning FY26, blending of CBG in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) segments will become mandatory, starting at one percent and increasing to five percent by FY 2028-29.

Public sector oil marketing companies have also installed 17,939 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 206 battery-swapping stations at retail outlets by December 2024, bolstering India’s EV infrastructure. India’s refining capacity is set to grow from 256.8 MMTPA to 309.5 MMTPA by 2028, driven by upgrades at 11 PSU refineries and new greenfield projects. Additionally, domestic natural gas production rose from 34.45 BCM in FY 2022-23 to 36.44 BCM in FY 2023-24.

The Ministry also highlighted progress in hydrocarbon exploration, with 13 discoveries under the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) and 12 under other regimes in FY24.