A strategy fuelled by vision, powered by energy
(Source: The Hindu, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 04 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 04 June 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure – Energy, Economy), GS Paper 2 (Governance – Policy Initiatives) |
| Context |
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Vision for a Gas-Based Economy:
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Prime Minister’s energy policy aims for a cleaner, affordable, and sustainable energy transition.
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India has added over 33,500 km of gas pipeline infrastructure, aiming to develop a “One Nation, One Gas Grid”.
Key Projects and Infrastructure Push:
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City Gas Distribution (CGD) expanded to 630+ districts.
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Public sector entities like ONGC, GAIL, and Oil India Ltd. are ramping up domestic gas production.
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India’s LNG terminal capacity has increased to accommodate higher imports.
Institutional Support and Reforms:
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Establishment of the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) – a platform for market-based trading.
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Creation of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
Advantages of Natural Gas:
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Cleaner than coal and oil – helps reduce carbon emissions.
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Versatile use – domestic cooking, power generation, transportation.
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Reduces oil import bill and dependency on volatile global oil markets.
Challenges to the Gas Economy:
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Pricing Structure: High cost of LNG imports and mismatch in administered vs market pricing.
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Distribution gaps: Difficulties in last-mile infrastructure, especially in remote and hilly regions.
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Private Sector Hesitation: Lack of clarity in pricing and returns affects investment.
Consumer-Side Reforms Needed:
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Making gas affordable through targeted subsidies for transport and domestic sectors.
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Encourage faster adoption of gas appliances and vehicles.
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Boost awareness and ecosystem development in Tier 2/3 cities.
Way Forward:
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India’s energy transition must combine infrastructure growth with policy coherence.
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Pricing reforms, transparent regulation, and increased competition are essential to boost investor confidence.
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A consumer-oriented approach is key to widespread adoption.
| Practice Question: India’s push for a gas-based economy is both an energy transition strategy and a geopolitical necessity. Evaluate its prospects and challenges. GS Paper 3 | 250 words | 15 marks |
