Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said India will have ten thousand CNG stations in the next five years.
Launching the commencement of work for 10th City Gas Distribution bidding round in New Delhi which will cover 50 Geographical Areas in 124 districts across the country, Mr Pradhan suggested auto companies to retrofit vehicles with CNG to boost sales.
He said till 2050, India’s incremental energy needs will be primarily met by CNG. The Minister said, India will aim to lead Electronic Vehicle technology and won’t shift to lithium import dependence.
Mr Pradhan said, with the 9th and 10th rounds, the country is making a giant leap in the City Gas Distribution. He said that in the last 5 years, the number of domestic PNG connections, CNG vehicles and CNG stations has more than doubled. He said, India is the 3rd largest energy consumer of the world and will become top consumer in a decade.
The Minister said the Government aims to provide reliable, affordable, sustainable and universal access to clean fuel to all. He said that the country will continue to harness multiple sources of energy, including fossil fuels, renewables, EVs and gas.
On the policy enablers to promote gas usage in India, Mr Pradhan said that City Gas Distribution has been granted public utility status. He said, the suitable ambience is being created and bold policy decisions are being taken to ensure that the country moves on the path of progress and import dependency comes down.
