By Sandeep Trehan

India aims to increase the contribution of natural gas in its energy mix from 6 per cent in 2017 to 15 per cent in 2025, becoming a gas-based economy. However, at present, it has a relatively low per capita consumption of natural gas at about 80 cubic meters as compared to countries such as Russia and United States with figures at 2,945 and 2,367 cubic meters respectively. The natural gas consumption in India is expected to increase at a rate of 4.3 per cent, up from 27 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2000 to 151 bcm in 2040.

CGD network in India

The city gas distribution (CGD) sector has received a major boost with the successful ninth and tenth bidding rounds. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has rolled out a total of 228 licences in India under ten bidding rounds for CGD network. The CGD network will now cover about 400 districts, 53 per cent of geographical area and 70.5 per cent of the population. It will serve 40 million households while the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations will rise to 7,205. As of March 2019, India has existing national trunk pipelines of 16,000 km, with about 11,000-km of pipelines under construction.

Building Natural Gas Ecosystem with a Customer Focus Approach

 There is an urgent need to carry marketing activities keeping customer in focus. Marketing process should be simplified to build an ecosystem which drive customer to change from existing fuels. All efforts need to encourage customer not only think differently but also act differently to use natural gas. Identifying explicit needs of customer helps to create a new approach of customer engagement. It is our duty as a new company to create a new customer experience which drives use of natural gas in all segments of market. We shall be seen building credibility and success stories with users of Natural Gas, that shall motivate more & more users to shift to natural gas across geographies.

 We need to address the key challenges with the Household segment and offer new approach for customer enrolment, simplification billing/payment process. New technologies, safety, Innovation & transparency shall be integral part of business solution.  Nevertheless, on a national level, the biggest benefit of a dedicated natural gas adoption will be a cleaner, greener, and sustainable world of energy.

About THINK Gas

THINK Gas is playing its part to reduce pollution levels by bringing cleaner fuel to India’s consumers. Customers are at the heart of everything they do. Through its efforts and the support of their customers, they are involved in reducing air pollution and returning the environment to a state where we can all “Breathe Easy”.

Established in 2018, THINK Gas has won five licenses over two CGD bidding rounds conducted by the PNGRB to build City Gas Distribution infrastructure and supply natural gas across 10 districts and acquired stake in an existing city gas operator. Now, it has presence across 11 districts in 4 states (Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar). Its CGD network will cover over 34,000 square km of area and serve a population of 21 million. It markets and distributes natural gas to households, commercial establishments, vehicle users and Industries.

At THINK Gas, “Khul Ke Saans Lo” describes the reason for its existence. They are promoting the use of natural gas to meet the nation’s future energy needs.

Sandeep Trehan is the Co-Founder and President (Marketing & Business Development) at THINK Gas Distribution Private Limited, has focus on building organizational strength needed for expansion of the company. Mr. Trehan has a rich experience of more than 38 years in energy sector with key focus on strategy, retail development, innovation, technical strategy, business development, among others. He has the ability to create unique solutions and drive technology in existing & new markets. In his past assignments he has worked with Exxon Mobil, Reliance and Indian Oil.  Mr. Trehan has an incredible knowledge base, which helps him realize the power of natural gas and create a friendly environment within the organization. Mr. Trehan holds a Master in Thermal Engineering and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Post Graduate Diploma holder in Systems Management  and Diploma in Marketing Management.