India is currently in the process of diversifying its primary energy mix and increasing share of cleaner natural gas and renewables. During 2019-20, the gas consumption in India stood at 153 mmscmd. Power (50.33 per cent) and fertilizer segment (44.28 per cent) have shown maximum consumption during 2019-20. Meanwhile, consumption level of liquified natural gas has witnessed an increasing trend over the years and now has more than 50 per cent share in the sector.
Gas infrastructure in the country is primarily concentrated in western and northern parts. 17,900 km of natural gas pipeline is in operation while 16,600 km is under construction. The government is now focusing on expanding the network in eastern and southern parts of India, wherein over 8,000 km pipeline is being executed by GAIL India Limited. It is imperative that the National Gas Grid is developed for growth of Indian gas sector. However, there are a number of challenges that acts as hurdles to the growth of pipeline network such as low pipeline utilisation, land acquisition, high pipeline tariff etc.
In the 16th edition City Gas Distribution in India virtual conference organised by India Infrastructure Publishing, Ashu Shinghal, Chief General Manager, GAIL India Limited made a presentation on the current status for the pipeline infrastructure in India.