India must prioritise low-carbon fuels like natural gas over highly polluting options such as coal, petrol and diesel to drive India’s energy transition, Subhash Kumar, Director-General, Association of CGD Entities, said in his keynote address at the 5th edition of The Economic Times Oil & Gas Annual Conference & Expo being held from November 26–28 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
Speaking on Day 1, he linked India’s economic ambitions with the need for a stable, scalable energy pathway. He said that with India facing the dual pressures of rising energy demand and tightening decarbonisation commitments, he made a case for natural gas as the country’s most practical transition fuel.
“In the transition phase, we must prioritise low-carbon fuels like natural gas over highly polluting options such as coal, petrol and diesel. Gas is not a temporary bridge — it is a key tool to drive India’s energy transition,” he said.
Kumar noted that even with aggressive gains in energy efficiency, India will require four to five times more energy by 2047. He added that with fossil fuels still accounting for nearly 90 per cent of India’s energy mix and import dependency rising across crude, gas and even coal, the country must adopt a structured approach to increase gas usage, supported by clear policy signalling and coordinated execution.
He highlighted several challenges and priorities:Reaffirming the 15 per cent gas share target, first announced in 2015, and positioning it as a national mission.
Building an execution ecosystem, noting that the gap lies not in intent but in the absence of “foot soldiers” to drive ground-level implementation.
Leveraging gas infrastructure to support cleaner fuels such as CBG and green hydrogen as they scale.
Recognising gas as a low-carbon, high-utility fuel, capable of reducing emissions, operating underground to ease congestion, and offering 24×7 supply flexibility similar to electricity.
“Natural gas offers lower emissions, avoids bottling and road congestion, and supports renewables by addressing intermittency. If we handle methane responsibly, gas becomes the most logical fuel to ensure a smooth and stable energy transition,” he added.Kumar concluded by emphasising that India’s transition will ultimately rely on domestic solutions and coordinated action across the value chain. With an estimated $10 trillion to $15 trillion required for the shift, he called for a realistic, systems-level approach that treats natural gas as a foundational pillar in India’s path to 2047.
