Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that the number of piped gas connections in India has grown to 13.2 million in 2024, up from 2.5 million in 2014.
Puri remarked, “In the past decade, significant reforms have transformed our energy sector, improving energy availability, affordability, and sustainability.”
In a social media post on ‘X’, he outlined five strategies for achieving energy independence. He also noted that India’s refining capacity has increased to 256.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) from 215 million in 2014.
He mentioned that ethanol blending in petrol has risen to 15 percent in 2024, compared to 1.53 percent in 2014.
Regarding the increase in LPG connections, the minister highlighted that in 2014, there were 145.2 million LPG users. As of August 1, 2024, there are over 327.3 million active LPG connections, including 103.3 million PMUY connections, he shared in a social media post on ‘X’ on Thursday.
Puri also noted that the natural gas pipeline network expanded from 15,000 km in 2014 to 24,881 km in 2024.
He added, “By expanding Ujjwala connections to ensure smoke-free kitchens, increasing refining capacities to build a new India, and supporting green initiatives like ethanol blending for sustainability and affordability, we are driving a cleaner, brighter future that benefits both people and the planet, paving the way for energy independence.”
Regarding fuel prices, Puri explained that India has managed to shield itself from rising fuel costs through various measures, including a reduction in excise duty by the central government.
“Between January 2022 and July 2024, India successfully kept fuel prices stable, unlike many advanced nations where prices surged,” Puri said.
Earlier, on August 14, Minister Puri announced that the capacity of Petronet LNG’s Dahej terminal is being expanded to 22.5 MMTPA from 17.5 MMTPA as part of India’s drive toward energy self-sufficiency.
The Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat is the largest single-location LNG storage and regasification facility in India.
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