The Indian Cabinet of Ministers has approved a $3.92 billion program for coal gasification projects, designed to reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This initiative, reported by Reuters on April 13, focuses on converting coal into synthetic gas for electricity generation, fertilizer production, and petrochemical manufacturing.
The decision stems from disruptions in global LNG supplies caused by Middle East tensions that have strained India’s energy imports. With one of the world’s largest coal reserves—401 billion tons of coal and 47 billion tons of brown coal—the nation plans to gasify approximately 75 million tons of coal annually.
Analysts highlight that countries including the United States and China are also advancing coal gasification technologies as part of efforts to balance emissions reduction with energy security.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for heightened resource conservation on May 10, urging citizens to adopt pandemic-era measures such as remote work and virtual meetings while avoiding unnecessary international travel, diesel irrigation, and public transport use.
According to Reuters, India declined a Russian LNG offer subject to U.S. sanctions on May 11, indicating it would only purchase Russian gas that avoids Western restrictions despite ongoing Middle East-related supply shortages.
Experts warn that even if regional conflicts subside quickly, restoring energy supplies will remain a prolonged process.
