Towards augmented gas availability: Domestic usage still much below international average

The share of natural gas in India's energy basket increased to 12% in 2009-10, against 9.5% in 2008-09. Despite this considerable increase, the figure still is a shade of the global average of 24%. 

 However, efforts are on to increase the share to 20% progressively over the next few years. The following major sources of supply are expected to help the country augment its gas availability and usage:

• Increasing gas production from the existing fields at Bombay offshore, KG basin, Assam, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• Potential for imports of 20-23 MMTPA of LNG by 2015-16. Gas production from coal bed methane has started. Potential, albeit optimistic, estimated by MoP&NG at 38 MMSCMD. 
• Gas hydrate potential of 1100 BCM has been estimated by DGH.
• Large potential of underground coal gasification are still not exploited.
• Gas discoveries in ultra deep waters (water depth of 2500-3000 m)