As India celebrated the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in 2024, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas presented a remarkable year-end review, showcasing a decade of progress and innovation. This story of transformation reveals how visionary policies and dedicated efforts have reshaped India’s energy landscape, ensuring energy security, sustainability, and accessibility for its citizens.
The Ujjwala Journey: Empowering Lives
Back in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) began as a mission to provide clean cooking fuel to underprivileged families. Fast forward to 2024, Ujjwala has become a 10.33 crore-strong family, delivering over 222 crore LPG refills to households across the nation. This isn’t just about fuel—it’s about empowerment. Families now consume an average of 4.34 LPG cylinders annually, a significant leap from 3.01 cylinders in 2019-20. With a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder, Ujjwala has ensured that clean cooking is affordable for all.
A Nation of LPG Users
The LPG revolution has been nothing short of transformative. From 14.52 crore connections in 2014 to 32.83 crore in 2024, the growth rate surpasses 100%. Moreover, over 1.14 crore consumers voluntarily gave up their subsidies under the “Give It Up” campaign, enabling more equitable distribution. Rural India, too, has witnessed a surge, with 90% of new distributors catering to rural areas.
Greener Fuels, Cleaner Tomorrow
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has redefined India’s approach to sustainable energy. Ethanol supplies skyrocketed from 38 crore litres in 2013-14 to 707.4 crore litres in 2023-24, achieving a 14.6% average blending rate. In 2024, over 17,400 outlets began dispensing E20 petrol (20% ethanol). This initiative has saved ₹1.08 lakh crore in forex, reduced 557 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and ensured swift payments of ₹92,400 crore to farmers—a testament to the program’s multi-dimensional impact.
Building the Natural Gas Grid
India’s natural gas pipeline network expanded from 15,340 kilometres in 2014 to an impressive 24,945 kilometres in 2024. An additional 10,805 kilometres is under development, paving the way for a unified national gas grid. This ambitious project aims to provide uniform access to natural gas across the country, ensuring economic and social progress in previously underserved regions.
Revolutionizing Urban Energy
City Gas Distribution (CGD) is now poised to cover nearly 100% of India’s population. With 1.36 crore domestic PNG connections and 7,259 CNG stations operational by September 2024, urban India is moving toward cleaner and more efficient energy use. Initiatives like the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) have further empowered this shift, promoting compressed biogas (CBG) production and utilization.
Innovations in Refining and Exploration
India’s refining capacity has grown to 256.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), with plans to reach 309.5 MMTPA by 2028. On the exploration front, the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) has opened up vast sedimentary basins for energy extraction. In 2023-24 alone, gas production rose from 34.45 billion cubic meters to 36.44 billion cubic meters, with 13 new hydrocarbon discoveries driving optimism.
Global Leadership in Clean Energy
India’s global energy diplomacy has flourished, with initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) attracting 28 member nations and 12 international organizations. Partnerships with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Guyana underscore India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive energy development.
A Vision for the Future
The Ministry’s efforts aren’t just about energy, they are about building a resilient, self-reliant India. With over 283 projects worth ₹5.7 lakh crore under implementation, the government is focused on reducing energy dependence and creating a green energy ecosystem.
India’s energy story in 2024 is a tale of perseverance, innovation, and hope. It is evidence of what a nation can achieve when its policies prioritize the well-being of its people and the planet.