India recently surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, marking a transformative milestone in its developmental journey under PM Modi’s leadership. Since 2014, India’s GDP has more than doubled, reaching $4.3 trillion in 2025—testament to a decade of visionary governance focused on reforms, resilience, and self-reliance.
A core pillar of this growth has been the energy sector, which has undergone unprecedented transformation during Modi 3.0’s first year, continuing the momentum of the previous decade. India is now the third-largest energy consumer, fourth-largest oil refiner, and fourth-largest LNG importer globally.
India’s energy roadmap—centred on availability, affordability, and sustainability—uses a four-dimensional strategy: diversification of sources, expansion of domestic production, transition to renewables, and affordability.
Key Transformations & Achievements:
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Oil & Gas Exploration: Acreage expanded from 8% (2021) to 16% (2025), with a 2030 goal of exploring 1 million sq. km.
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Hydrocarbon Discoveries: Over 25 new finds across Mumbai Offshore, Mahanadi, and Assam basins.
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Gas Pricing Reforms: Linking prices to the Indian Crude Basket, ensuring greater availability and affordability.
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City Gas Growth: Expanded from 55 zones (2014) to 307 zones (2025) with over 1.5 crore PNG connections and 7,500+ CNG stations.
Green Energy Revolution:
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Ethanol Blending: Up from 1.5% (2013) to 19.7% (2025), reducing emissions and saving ₹1.26 lakh crore in forex.
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Compressed Biogas (CBG): 100+ plants operational under the SATAT initiative; aiming for 5% blending by 2028.
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Green Hydrogen: National push with 3,000 MW electrolyser tenders; IOCL, BPCL, HPCL lead with large-scale projects.
Infrastructure & Strategic Security:
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India operates 24,000 km of pipelines and 96,000 fuel retail outlets.
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Natural gas pipeline network now exceeds 25,000 km, aiming for 33,000 km by 2030.
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PM Gati Shakti digitally maps over 1 lakh energy assets, enabling real-time coordination and cost savings.
Empowering Citizens:
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Despite global LPG price hikes, PMUY beneficiaries pay just ₹553 per cylinder—supported by targeted subsidies.
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Fuel prices remain stable due to strategic excise cuts, shielding citizens from global volatility.
As India completes 11 years under Prime Minister Modi, the energy sector emerges not just as an economic engine but as a symbol of strategic autonomy and sustainable development. Energy, today, is not just a commodity—but a catalyst for sovereignty and security.
By Hardeep S. Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
