The Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has invited bids for the development of gas distribution networks in five areas offered in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Bids are due on 6 April 2022.
The regulator has so far authorised 228 geographical areas in 27 states covering half of India’s geographical area and 70% of its population. In addition, the PNGRB recently launched the 11th CGD bidding round (September 2021) for the development of gas networks in 65 geographical areas in 19 states covering 33% of India's area and 26% of its population; it attracted 439 bids from 26 entities for 61 geographical areas.
India aims to raise the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix to 15% by 2030 (from 5.8% in 2020). India consumed 63 bcm of natural gas in 2020. The residential, services and agriculture sector accounted for 6% of total consumption.