By D. V. Shastry
E.D. Natural Gas Society
POINT OF VIEW
As India accelerates its clean energy transition, NGS remains at the forefront of advocacy, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Our forums and conclaves ensure continuous dialogue among policymakers, operators, technology providers, and academia. Initiatives such as the “ज्ञानानुभवप्रवाह सहयात्ञा” Gyaan Prawaah Shrinkhala (GPS) Lecture Series are creating platforms for thought leadership on future fuels and advanced technologies. NGS firmly believes that a balanced approach, leveraging natural gas alongside renewables and emerging fuels like hydrogen, will be central to achieving India’s energy security and climate goals.
INTERNATIONAL
FRAMEWORK
Global gas markets remained dynamic through August 2025, with LNG trade witnessing stronger flows from the US and Qatar into Asia, balancing disruptions in Africa and Europe. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the importance of flexible LNG contracts to address supply security. India’s increasing participation in platforms such as IGU and G20 Energy Working Groups is enabling exchange of knowledge on methane reduction, hydrogen blending, and carbon capture technologies. These engagements position India to align its natural gas development with global sustainability standards.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Looking forward, the natural gas industry is expected to integrate more strongly with India’s hydrogen economy roadmap. Pilot projects for hydrogen blending in CGD networks are being rolled out, supported by collaborations with global technology partners. Workforce development remains a key focus, NGS is preparing a new training module on Gas Measurement and Smart Metering, aimed at improving operational accuracy and customer satisfaction. The continued expansion of CGD networks, alongside investments in LNG terminals and regasification capacity, provides a strong foundation for natural gas to remain India’s bridge fuel in the transition to a net-zero economy.
FISCAL PRUDENCE
Capital flows into the gas sector continue robustly. In August 2025, Petronet LNG approved ₹2,000 crore investment for capacity augmentation at Dahej LNG terminal. Adani Total Gas announced a ₹1,100 crore expansion plan for CGD networks in southern India. Globally, Shell is progressing with its $10 billion LNG Canada project, a milestone in North American gas exports. These financial commitments illustrate both domestic and international confidence in natural gas as a sustainable growth driver.
NEWS AND TRENDS
August 2025 brought several key developments in the natural gas and energy sector, with NGS playing an active role:
– Strategic Collaboration: Natural Gas Society (NGS)signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with Veeam Software India Pvt. Ltd. (a leader in Data Protection andRansomware Recovery solutions) to promote cyber awareness, digital skilling, and employment enablement in line with the vision of Cyber Surakshit Saksham Bharat(साइबर-सुरक्षित सिम भारत). The signing ceremony was held on 21st August 2025 in New Delhi, in the presence of eminent dignitaries and industry stakeholders.
– Industry Updates: GAIL commissioned additional spur lines under the Urja Ganga project, enhancing City GasDistribution (CGD) connectivity in Bihar and Jharkhand.
– Global Projects: ExxonMobil and its partners approved a multi-billion LNG expansion in Papua New Guinea, reinforcing Asia’s LNG supply outlook and long-term energy security.
NGS Participation in National Forums: At the 2nd Edition of India Gas-Tech 2025 (19–20 August,New Delhi), NGS played a central role. The event spotlighted advancements in CGD, LNG, hydrogen, and biogas. Mr. D V Shastry, Executive Director, NGS, was the Convener of the event and also chaired a technical session, in addition to participating as a panelist in a panel discussion on “Vision2040 – the Role of Pipelines in India’s Energy Transition andDecarbonisation”. Shri V. C. Chittoda and Shri Satish Geda, Sr. Consultant, NGS also Chaired one Session each, further reinforcing NGS’s leadership in industry dialogue.o Mr. D V Shastry, ED, NGS was invited as a speaker in the ESG Conclave 2025 – Compliance to Sustainability(22 August, New Delhi), which emphasised aligning CSR practices in various sectors including Oil & Gas with sustainability goals and ESG frameworks in a result oriented manner rather than in a compliance mode.o At the 4th Edition of the India Energy Conclave & Exhibition (IEC 2025) (28–29 August), NGS highlighted the role of natural gas in India’s integrated energy future. Mr. Shastry, ED, NGS was a distinguished panelist in the session on “The Role of Natural Gas & LNG in Energy Transition,”underscoring NGS’s role in shaping India’s energy future.
POLICY STANCE
Policy reforms continue to shape India’s gas landscape. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has initiated consultations on unified tariff structures for cross- country pipelines to simplify pricing and encourage wider gas adoption. Simultaneously, discussions on rationalising domestic gas allocation for priority sectors such as city gas and fertilizer are underway. NGS, through its CGD Forum, is actively contributing inputs to ensure that tariff reforms, allocation frameworks, and safety codes balance both industry viability and consumer affordability.
