NGS’ NG/LNG SNAPSHOT April 1-15, 2026
National News Internatonal News
NATIONAL NEWS
City Gas Distribution & Auto LPG
Over 4 lakh PNG connection provides since March: Govt
New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday announced that over 4,24,000 new piped natural gas (PNG) connections have been activated since March this year, even as more than 30,000 consumers surrendered their LPG cylinders to switch to the cleaner and more convenient piped fuel.
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More than 4.66 lakh customers registered for new PNG connections. The supply of smaller 5-kg LPG cylinders have been ramped up and the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) connections also accelerated as part of management of fuel availability amid disruptions triggered by the West Asia conflict.
More than 13 lakh 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders have been sold since March 23, with daily sales rising above 100,000 units, as authorities expand access for migrant workers and low-income consumers, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
As against sale of about 77,000 5 kg cylinders in pre-crisis February, daily sales have topped over 1 lakh in the last two-three weeks.
The six-week long war in West Asia has disrupted global energy supply. India relied on import of half of its crude oil, 40 per cent of its gas and 85-90 per cent of LPG from the region was also impacted.
The statement said domestic LPG supplies remain stable overall, with no reported stockouts and over 52 lakh cylinders delivered on April 11.
Online bookings account for about 98 per cent of demand, while delivery authentication systems now cover 93 per cent of transactions to curb diversion.
Commercial LPG availability has been restored to about 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, supported by targeted allocations and increased supply measures.
The government has prioritised natural gas allocation, ensuring full supply for household PNG and CNG transport, while increasing supplies to fertiliser plants to about 95 per cent of recent average consumption, aided by additional LNG imports.
City gas distributors, including Indraprastha Gas Ltd, Mahanagar Gas Ltd, and GAIL Gas Ltd, have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial users, as part of a broader push to shift demand away from LPG.
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/over-4-lakh-png-connection-provides-since-march-govt-3965586
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PNG flows into Butibori Colony homes
Nagpur: Domestic supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) officially commenced in Nagpur district from Friday. The gas reached eight houses in Kavya Enclave in CIDCO Colony, Butibori, according to senior officials of Haryana City Gas (HCG).
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The supply began under the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda gas pipeline project undertaken by Gas Authority of India (GAIL), with work from Mumbai to Nagpur completed. HCG is the distributor for Nagpur district.
Officials said PNG supply to Mihan, Jamtha and housing projects in surrounding areas will commence soon. The target is to deliver PNG to every household in the entire Nagpur district within the next 4 to 5 years, they said.
Officials said PNG is safer than LPG cylinders and more economical, with savings of 25 to 30% per month. If the LPG rate is approximately Rs68 per kg, the PNG rate is approximately Rs48 per kg, they said. “PNG is lighter than air and, in case of a leak, dissipates quickly, reducing fire risk,” they said adding that direct pipeline supply removes concerns about cylinders running out.
HCG officials said registration of 1,000 households in Butibori has been completed, and supply is already being provided to 12 companies in the industrial zone. The company currently has 28 CNG pumps operational in the district.
Now, Nagpur joins the list of cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Delhi, and Ahmedabad with PNG facilities.
Registration process is underway for 250 units from the Butibori industrial zone, and PNG supply to them will begin soon. Land has been sought from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation MIDC to develop PNG supply infrastructure in the Hingna industrial zone. Supply is expected to commence within the next two months after the land is allotted.
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Govt extends piped gas drive; over 310,000 new connections added
The government on Tuesday extended National Piped Natural Gas (PNG) drive 2.0 by three months until June 30 to accelerate adoption amid liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage in the country. The initiative, which is aimed at improving PNG connectivity across the country to increase the share of gas to 15 per cent in the country’s energy basket, was earlier scheduled to end on March 31. Under the initiative, the government aims to extend natural gas pipeline connectivity to an additional 37 geographical areas (GAs) not connected to the national gas pipeline, and 44 districts not connected with the PNG network.
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India added more than 310,000 new PNG connections in March across domestic and commercial users, and issued another 270,000 PNG connections, the government said in a press release.
The government has been encouraging users to switch to piped gas as the country struggles to secure LPG supplies amid the West Asia conflict. The Centre has also threatened to cut LPG supply to consumers if they fail to switch to PNG in areas where connectivity exists.
City gas distribution (CGD) companies are offering incentives to promote PNG connections. Indraprastha Gas Ltd and GAIL Gas Ltd are providing free gas worth around ₹500 for domestic consumers. Mahanagar Gas Ltd has waived registration charges of about ₹500 for domestic PNG consumers and security deposits for commercial users. Bharat Petroleum Corporation has also announced a waiver of security deposits for all commercial connections.
To ensure cooking fuel for domestic consumption, the government has relaxed kerosene distribution rules for the next 60 days. Select petrol pumps, operated by state-run oil-marketing companies, have been permitted to distribute kerosene, including in 21 states and Union territories that have been declared “kerosene-free.”
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Odisha government to expedite transition to piped natural gas for urban households
Bhubaneswar, Apr 2 (PTI) The Odisha government on Thursday decided to expedite transitioning to piped natural gas for urban households while also focusing on implementing strict digital safeguards against irregularities in LPG supply.
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The decision was taken at a high-level meeting that was attended by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and senior officials of major oil and gas corporations.
Notably, the meeting was held two days after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced in the Assembly that there is no scarcity of cooking gas in the state and the government was committed to protecting people’s interests.
“The Centre has asked the state government to accelerate a transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) from LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and implement rigorous digital safeguards to protect consumers,” Patra told reporters after the meeting.
He clarified that once a household receives a PNG connection, its existing LPG connection must be decommissioned to optimise resources.
The government aims to provide PNG to all the households in urban areas, and LPG will be served to rural consumers, he said.
“To facilitate this shift, district collectors have been tasked with providing full administrative support to gas companies to ensure swift laying of pipelines,” the minister said.
Housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said that all major cities, such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Berhampur, Balasore, and Sambalpur, would be provided with PNG connectivity soon to reduce heavy dependency on LPG.
He urged all government and commercial establishments to switch to PNG connections immediately, and underlined that his department would provide expedited clearances for such transitions.
Mohapatra directed officials to prioritise setting up PNG supply infrastructure in Puri to meet the heightened demand expected during the Rath Yatra festival.
To combat the issue of “ghost deliveries”, where consumers receive false delivery notifications, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department’s Principal Secretary, Sanjay Kumar Singh, directed agencies to ensure full compliance with the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system.
There is no cause for panic about cooking gas availability, as the government is monitoring the situation around the clock, he said, adding the state has identified schools, anganwadis, Ahaar Kendra, and hospitals as priority sectors to receive uninterrupted gas supplies. PTI AAM AAM NSD
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Natural Gas/ Pipelines/ Company News
Indraprastha Gas Ltd names BPCL’s Subhankar Sen as Chairman from April 1
Sen has over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, with roles spanning fuel retailing, lubricants, and energy transition initiatives. Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) on Tuesday said its board has approved the appointment of Subhankar Sen as Chairman with effect from April 1, 2026, following the cessation of Raj Kumar Dubey.
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Sen, who is currently Director of marketing) at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), has been nominated to the role after Dubey’s superannuation from BPCL, the company said in a regulatory filing.
IGL said that the appointment is in line with its articles of association, under which promoter companies BPCL and GAIL nominate the Chairman on a rotational basis for a two-year term. Dubey assumed the role in May 2025.
Sen brings over three decades of experience in fuel retailing, lubricants marketing and energy transition. At BPCL, he heads marketing functions across retail fuels, LPG, lubricants, aviation and gas businesses, along with oversight of projects, pipelines, procurement and digital initiatives.
He has also led key initiatives in EV charging infrastructure and non-fuel retail, and has been part of BPCL’s strategy team behind brands such as Pure for Sure and Speed.
IGL, a city gas distributor in the National Capital Region, is promoted by GAIL and BPCL and supplies compressed natural gas and piped natural gas to automotive, domestic and industrial consumers.
He has also been part of BPCL’s strategy team and contributed to the development of brands and programmes such as Pure for Sure, Speed, PetroBonus, SmartFleet, BPCL-SBI card, In&Out stores and UFill, and has worked on partnerships across sectors including retail, banking and automobiles.
Sen has been involved in initiatives related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure and doorstep diesel delivery, and has worked with policymakers on energy transition programmes.
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ONGC Begins Gas Production at Daman Upside Development Project, Arabian Sea
Noida, Mar 31 (APAC Media): State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) has started producing and commercialising natural gas from its Daman Upside Development Project (DUDP) in the Arabian Sea, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s domestic gas output, officials reported Monday.
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“Gas production from Platform B‑12‑24P of the Daman Upside Development Project commenced on March 29, 2026. The offshore facility, situated approximately 180 km northwest of Mumbai and 80 km south of Pipavav, Gujarat, is now supplying gas to ONGC’s Hazira processing plant for further treatment and distribution,” ONGC said in an exchange filing.
The project, around USD 1 billion, was completed in less than two years from the date of contract award, highlighting ONGC’s strengthened ability to execute complex offshore operations. The company credited the faster completion to the use of advanced drill deck technology and the high efficiency of its drilling and production teams.
“The Daman Upside Development Project, with a capex of about USD 1 billion, has achieved a significant milestone by monetisation through flowing gas from Platform B‑12‑24P,” ONGC said in a post on the social platform X.
“The start of gas monetisation marks the beginning of a phased increase in production as additional wells under the project are gradually brought online,” officials said.
“This development is expected to enhance ONGC’s domestic gas supply and support India’s broader energy security objectives,” industry analysts added.
The gas production from the Daman Upside Development Project comes at a time of global energy supply challenges, including disruptions in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of expanding domestic hydrocarbon output.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) is India’s largest state-owned oil and gas exploration and production company.
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Policy Matters/ Gas Pricing/ Others
Govt rolls out time-bound framework for nationwide gas pipeline expansion
New Delhi: Amidst the month-long unrest in West Asia, the Centre has set a time-bound framework for pipeline infrastructure expansion nationwide in an effort to reduce the demand for LPG.
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The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was announced by the government on Tuesday in an official communication.
The order introduces a streamlined and time-bound framework for the nationwide expansion of pipeline infrastructure – provision of PNG connections and enabling a gradual transition from LPG to piped gas in areas where infrastructure is available.
The order authorized entities to lay and expand pipelines across regions to facilitate the rapid expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks and improve last-mile connectivity for piped natural gas (PNG). The government claims that by streamlining compliance standards, doing away with arbitrary levies, and adopting precisely defined compensation procedures like “dig and restore” and “dig and pay” to reduce conflicts, the Order creates an open and investor-friendly regulatory system. Additionally, it balances the requirements of infrastructure development with the public interest by incorporating safeguards such as a dispute resolution process and rules to prevent unjustified denial of access by private entities or municipal authorities.
The government is promoting natural gas as a crucial transition fuel at a time when the world’s energy environment is changing and energy demand is rising. According to officials, the Order aims to guarantee fair access to cleaner energy, expedite infrastructure development, and make conducting business easier.
By diversifying the gas distribution network and increasing investor confidence through regulatory clarity and quicker approvals, the government anticipates that the reform would improve energy security. Additionally, it will probably speed up the development of pipeline infrastructure in urban and semi-urban regions, enhance air quality by encouraging the use of cleaner fuels, and promote economic growth by guaranteeing a steady and reasonably priced energy supply.
Regularly, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas along with other important ministries – Shipping and Ports, and External Affairs – are holding briefings here in the national capital. The centre further underlined that all refineries are operating at high capacity and adequate crude inventories are available, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. In another major move towards boosting the domestic LPG production from refineries, the Indian OMCs, reportedly, maximising output by diverting propane/butane from petrochemicals into the domestic cooking pool.
The government said retail fuel outlets are functioning normally across the country, although panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, leading to unusually high sales and crowding at petrol pumps.
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PNGRB extends National PNG Drive till June 30 as domestic gas rollout gathers pace
New Delhi: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) on Friday extended the National PNG Drive until June 30, saying the move was needed to sustain the momentum in Piped Natural Gas (PNG) expansion amid global geopolitical developments affecting energy supply chains. The board said a “whole of Government approach” is being used to mitigate the impact of LPG supply disruptions on domestic and commercial consumers by strengthening the PNG network.
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The decision followed a comprehensive review by PNGRB Chairperson Dr AK Jain, on March 31 of city gas distribution (CGD) network expansion, compliance with government directives and new measures to improve consumer connectivity.
Rollout has added 6.5 lakh connection infrastructure
PNGRB said the National PNG Drive, launched in January 2026, was introduced to accelerate CGD infrastructure rollout with time-bound targets for PNG-D, PNG-C and CNG station commissioning across all authorised geographical areas. As of March 31, CGD entities had developed additional DPNG infrastructure for 6.5 lakh connections, with gas supply started for nearly 5.29 lakh domestic consumers and 2,457 commercial consumers.
The board also said 11 new geographical areas have been connected to the natural gas pipeline network, taking the total to 250 GAs connected to the natural gas trunk pipeline. Since March 15, more than 10,000 new PNG connections have been provided daily on average, and entities have been directed to increase this pace to meet current demand.
Compliance push under new gas distribution measures
The press release said the government, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, PNGRB and other departments, has issued targeted measures to manage LPG supply disruption while strengthening the gas-based energy ecosystem. These include the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order dated March 14 and the Natural Gas & Petroleum Products Distribution Gazette Notification dated March 24.
PNGRB said a reform linking allocation of commercial LPG with CGD expansion in states has already started delivering results by accelerating infrastructure growth and improving last-mile connectivity. It added that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is working with PNGRB, state governments, municipal authorities and CGD entities to better align urban planning with energy infrastructure development.
The regulator said it has issued additional advisories to prioritise PNG connections for households and institutional users such as canteens, hostels, mess facilities, hotels and restaurants, and hospitals. It has also backed expansion of PNG coverage and temporary suspension of imbalance charges to support consumers and improve network efficiency.
Real-time monitoring and consumer-facing steps
To track the rollout closely, PNGRB said it has mandated reporting of DPNG connections, CNG station commissioning, commercial connections and other performance parameters through a designated portal. The release said PNG gas supply is being ensured for over 10,000 new domestic households and 50 new commercial establishments every day.
For consumer access, the chairperson has directed all CGD entities to web-host their PNG expansion or rollout plans area-wise and municipality-wise on their websites. Entities have also been asked to create online registration formats, assess a prospective consumer’s proximity to the nearest CGD network during registration, and provide tentative connection timelines along with reasons. Pending registration details will also have to be published online.
PNGRB said these steps are meant to help CGD entities plan targeted network extensions, prioritise high-demand areas and reduce turnaround time for new connections. The board said it is moving to ensure that the transition from LPG to PNG is accelerated in a “time-bound, measurable and consumer-centric manner.”
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Govt nudges hospitality sector to shift to PNG
Panaji: With a countrywide shortage of LPG crippling the tourism sector, govt has urged Goa’s hospitality sector to shift to piped natural gas (PNG). Govt has urged commercial establishments currently dependent on LPG to prepare for the transition.
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However, the sector has questioned the push towards PNG, pointing out that gas pipelines have only been laid in Ponda and Tiswadi in North Goa, and in Vasco and Margao in South Goa. The coastal belt, where most of the restaurants and resorts are, has not been covered by PNG.
“The transition to PNG is not just a regulatory step but a necessary shift to ensure uninterrupted supply and long-term sustainability for Goa’s tourism sector. Stakeholders must actively spread awareness and support end-users in applying for PNG connections, as the process can only progress upon formal application. We urge all concerned to act immediately so that existing supply constraints can be resolved at the earliest,” said tourism secretary Sandip Jacques.
The department convened a stakeholder meeting with Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, NHRAI, National Restaurant Association of India-Goa and other industry stakeholders to discuss the commercial LPG supply disruptions. Officials from oil and gas companies and PNG providers were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, the hospitality sector highlighted how the shortage of commercial LPG is impacting restaurants, beach shacks, and allied tourism businesses across the state.
“Goa remains committed to strengthening its tourism ecosystem through reliable and future-ready infrastructure. The transition to PNG is a key step towards ensuring consistent energy supply and enhancing ease of operations for tourism stakeholders. We will continue to work closely with all concerned to facilitate a smooth transition,” said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte.
Govt officials agreed to address grievances from stakeholders, including delays in PNG connections, infrastructure readiness, and operational bottlenecks. Authorities said they would simplify the processes and accelerate necessary approvals.
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Govt Raises Regulated Gas Price To USD 7/mmBtu; CNG, PNG And Fertiliser Sectors Face Impact
India raises APM gas price from 6.5 to 7 USD per mmBtu for ONGC and Oil India, boosting their revenue but likely raising CNG PNG and fertiliser costs amid global energy volatility. The government has raised the price of natural gas produced from legacy fields of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd to USD 7 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up from about USD 6.5 earlier, according to official notification.
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The revision, effective from April, follows the administered pricing mechanism (APM) formula that links domestic gas prices to crude oil trends. The increase is aimed at improving realisations for upstream producers amid firm global energy prices.
Local gas distributors may face higher input costs, potentially affecting prices of CNG and piped natural gas (PNG) for households and transport. Fertiliser producers, which rely heavily on gas as feedstock, could also see a rise in subsidy burden.
This revision in prices come amid the ongoing war in West Asia, straining global energy supply chains and leading to elevated prices. Crude oil prices have risen by almost 50% in the last one month to over $100 per barrel.
According to experts the move will boost revenues of ONGC and Oil India, which account for a large share of domestic gas output, while raising cost pressures for industries dependent on regulated gas supply.
The government had earlier capped APM gas prices at $6.5 per mmBtu, with a provision for gradual increases. The latest hike reflects adjustments under the revised pricing framework as global energy markets remain volatile.
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LNG Use / LNG Development and Shipping
Shell steps up LNG supplies to India, wins major fertiliser tenders after Gulf disruptions
New Delhi: Global energy major Shell plc has ramped up natural gas supplies to India in the wake of disruptions triggered by the West Asia conflict, leveraging its global liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio to capture a larger share of spot and term demand, including key fertiliser sector tenders.
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Industry sources said Shell emerged as a leading supplier in last month’s bulk LNG procurement by Indian fertiliser companies, securing a supply of 4 trillion British thermal units out of 6 TBtus volumes tendered, as the government moved to ensure feedstock availability for urea production amid constrained supplies from the Gulf.
With supplies from India’s largest LNG supplier in Qatar disrupted by the West Asia conflict, Shell plc’s India arm stepped in, importing its largest-ever monthly LNG volumes in March, they said.
Besides fertiliser, Shell India also supplied gas to other industrial users and retailers. In March, it became India’s largest supplier of imported gas.
Shell’s ability to step up supplies is backed by its 5 million tonnes-per-year LNG import terminal at Hazira in Gujarat and associated storage infrastructure, along with its position as the world’s largest LNG portfolio player, allowing it to source cargoes from multiple regions beyond West Asia to meet demand.
Sources said the company leveraged its LNG portfolio in countries ranging from Oman to Australia and Nigeria. It also operates one of the largest LNG shipping fleets (over 65 chartered carriers), helping deliver gas when India’s main supplier declared force majeure.
India imports roughly half of its natural gas requirement, which is used as feedstock for fertiliser production, power generation, CNG for transport, piped cooking gas for households and across a range of industrial applications.
As much as 45-50 per cent of LNG imports come from Qatar under long-term contracts. These supplies stopped after Iran’s sweeping retaliation to US and Israeli strikes targeted neighbouring countries that housed US troops.
Force majeure declared by QatarEnergy disrupted about 11.2 million tonnes of India’s roughly 27 million tonnes of LNG imports, even as state-run firms such as GAIL (India) Limited continued sourcing cargoes from alternative suppliers, including the United States and Russia.
However, a key constraint remained shipping capacity, with a limited number of LNG carriers available to transport cargoes from distant sources, such as the US, where voyages can take up to 45 days.
Shell, sources said, was relatively insulated from such constraints due to its access to a global LNG portfolio, as well as its own shipping fleet, enabling quicker diversion of cargoes.
Supplies brought in by Shell, along with limited volumes imported by GAIL (India) Limited and other state-run firms, complemented domestic production of about 92 million standard cubic metres per day, helping stabilise gas availability more quickly than LPG, following the disruption in early March.
Initially, gas supplies were curtailed for some industrial users to prioritise fertiliser plants and city gas distribution, before gradually restoring allocations as alternative cargoes were secured. Industrial consumers faced supply cuts of up to 40 per cent.
With additional imports in March, supplies to operating urea plants were progressively ramped up – from about 70 per cent of the requirement to nearly 90 per cent from April 6 and around 95 per cent from April 9.
Starting April 6, gas availability to other industrial and commercial sectors, including City Gas Distribution networks, was also increased by an additional 10 per cent.
Sources said elevated imports by Shell are likely to continue in April as well. It is likely to be a major bidder in the 10-12 TBtu of gas supply tender that fertiliser firms are planning to bring in mid-April. PTI
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Russia promises to increase oil, LNG supplies to India
Amid the oil shock and supply chain disruptions triggered by the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, Russia has assured that its energy companies have the capacity to “steadily increase” the supply of oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) to India, and also “continue” to address India’s fertilizer needs.Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, on a two-day visit, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 2, 2026) and discussed the supply of fertilizers. He met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the leaders discussed continued energy supply to India.
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The high-level Russian visit is being seen as part of the preparations by the two sides ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit to be hosted by India and the India-Russia annual summit scheduled in Russia this year.
“We discussed our mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, fertilizers, connectivity and people-to-people ties,” said Mr. Modi, who “welcomed sustained efforts from both sides” to realise the agreements of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit hosted here in December 2025.
In a press note, the External Affairs Ministry said Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Manturov “exchanged views on regional and global developments including the conflict in West Asia.”
According to the Russian embassy, Mr. Manturov said that Russia has increased supplies of “in-demand mineral fertilizers to India by 40 percent and is ready to continue meeting India’s needs for this product.” He also mentioned that a joint project for the production of carbamide (urea) is “under development”.
“Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Denis Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquified natural gas to the Indian market,” said the embassy readout.
Mr. Manturov said Russia will deepen nuclear cooperation with India. Other topics such as industrial cooperation, space and educational projects were discussed in the meetings.
Mr. Manturov’s Delhi visit, which ended on Friday (April 3, 2026), took place days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Mr. Jaishankar addressed a conference on bilateral relations through a video link on March 23, 2026, during which Mr. Lavrov indicated at Russia’s preparations for the annual summit.
Mr. Lavrov had expressed Russia’s support for the BRICS where India is the current Chair. The group has attracted attention in recent weeks as it has not made a statement on the evolving situation in West Asia, though Russia, India and China, who form a trilateral sub-group called RIC, have indicated that they will work closely within BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the UN on issues that affect common interests of the Global South.
This was followed by the March 30 Foreign Office Consultations between India and Russia led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. This week, the Indian side hosted Vladimir Yakushev, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council (upper house) of the Federal Assembly of Russia. On Thursday, Mr. Yakushev met Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. He also met Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin.
The flurry of conversations between India and Russia has coincided with the growing energy insecurity in India and rest of South Asia as the war in West Asia continued in the second month. The U.S. had imposed penalty tariffs on India in August 2025 and made India cut down on Russian energy imports with the aim to force Russia make concessions in the war in Ukraine. However, in the backdrop of the crisis in the global energy market, the U.S. on March 6 issued a “temporary 30-day waiver” that let Indian refiners purchase Russian crude.
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Electric Mobility/ Hydrogen/Bio-Methane
Green Hydrogen project in Anakapalle district moving into active phase, says NTPC Simhadri head Ayaskanta Jena
VISAKHAPATNAM: NTPC-Simhadri unit head Ayaskanta Jena said the Rs1.85 lakh crore Green Hydrogen Hub project at Pudimadaka in Anakapalle district is moving into an active execution phase, with several critical work packages nearing finalization.
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In the initial phase, carbon dioxide will be transported by tankers for conversion into ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the NTPC Green EnergyLimited (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub project in 2025. The project remains on schedule to establish India’s first integrated Green Hydrogen Hub.
The hub would not only promote clean energy but also generate significant employment and establish a manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
The green hub facility is designed to leverage 20 GW of renewable energy to produce 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of derivatives, such as green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), potentially creating over 57,000 jobs in the region.NTPC Simhadri, the country’s first coastal-based thermal power station, continued to maintain strong operational performance even as it accelerated its shift towards cleaner and more sustainable operations, officials said.The 2,000 MW station, along with its 25 MW floating solar project, remained a key contributor to the power needs of southern states, supplying electricity to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Officials said steady generation played a crucial role in ensuring grid stability amid rising demand.
Ayaskanta Jena said the plant maintained a high plant load factor (PLF), backed by efficient operations, consistent coal supply from Talcher in Odisha, and robust maintenance systems. Of the total power generated, 34.2 per cent was allocated to Andhra Pradesh and 39.6 per cent to Telangana.
The station was also strengthening its environmental compliance. Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems were being installed to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions in line with stricter norms., he added.
Maintaining a high PLF in a large coal-based station reflected strong operational discipline and efficient resource management, Jena said, underlining the plant’s focus on balancing performance with sustainability. Water conservation measures significantly reduced freshwater dependence, with over 85 percent of requirements met through seawater. Recycling systems and efficient water management practices were also put in place.
Afforestation efforts under the ‘Green Visakha’ initiative resulted in the planting of lakhs of saplings across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle districts, while the plant premises were declared plastic-free. Jena said the station would continue to adopt global best practices, expand its renewable energy portfolio, and move towards achieving net-zero emissions.
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AP’s NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub on track
The project is based on capturing CO2 emissions and combining them with green hydrogen generated using renewable energy to produce a range of green chemicals and fuels. VISAKHAPATNAM: The Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Anakapalle district is moving on the executed track, with initial plans focusing on utilising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from NTPC Simhadri for the production of green fuels and chemicals.
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In the first phase, about 25 tonnes per day (TPD) of CO2 captured from NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station will be transported by road to the hub and used to produce around 10 TPD of ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Simultaneously, 2×325 TPD of CO2 will be transported through pipelines to produce 150 TPD of urea and 300 TPD of methanol. In later stages, an additional 2×650 TPD of CO2 will be supplied via pipelines for the production of around 300 TPD of SAF.
The project is based on capturing CO2 emissions and combining them with green hydrogen generated using renewable energy to produce a range of green chemicals and fuels.
NTPC Simhadri Unit Head Ayaskanta Jena said the Rs 1.85 lakh crore project is progressing as per schedule, with several work orders already awarded and key packages under finalisation.
The foundation stone for the project was laid virtually by Prime Minister on January 8, 2025. Jointly developed by NTPC Green Energy Ltd and the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP), the hub will produce 1,500 TPD of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of other green chemicals, supported by up to 20 GW of renewable energy.
The project will come up on 1,600 acres at Pudimadaka, with land registration completed. Additional land at Seetha palem has been identified for a captive jetty, desalination plant and storage facilities.
Water supply will be sourced from APIIC network and Yeluru canal, supplemented by an 80 MLD desalination plant, while renewable energy will provide round-the-clock power. The project aims to utilise industrial emissions productively while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
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NTPC Green Energy adds 168 MW solar power capacity
NTPC Green Energy (subsidiary of NTPC) announced the declaration of commercial operations of the following projects of its wholly owned subsidiary NTPC Renewable Energy: (i) The twelfth and the last part capacity of 78.02 MW out of 1255 MW Khavda-I Solar PV Project located in Gujarat, w.e.f. 31 March 2026.
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(ii) The sixth part capacity of 90 MW out of 1200 MW Khavda-II Solar PV Project located in Gujarat, 31 March 2026.
The current commercial capacity of NTPC Green Energy Group stands at 9,907.68 MW and the total installed capacity at 10,075.70 MW.
With this, the total installed capacity of NTPC group stands at 89,057 MW and commercial capacity at 87,977 MW.
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Indian duo targets 60MW of green hydrogen projects
Indian clean technology firm Greenzo Energy is eyeing 60MW of green hydrogen projects with compatriot conglomerate Lord’s Mark Industries.
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Under a new memorandum of understanding, the pair aims to install projects integrated with solar captive power and battery storage in four cities across the Uttar Pradesh region.
Greenzo would provide hydrogen technologies and engineering for the projects planned for Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Jhansi, and Lucknow.
https://www.gasworld.com/story/indian-duo-targets-60mw-of-green-hydrogen-projects/2137626.article/?
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Green hydrogen project to come up at Port of Tilbury
GeoPura and Forth Ports have entered into an agreement to set up a green hydrogen production facility at the Port of Tilbury, aimed at reducing emissions and supporting clean energy use in heavy industry, Energetica India reported. The project, backed by £2 million in funding from Thames Freeport, will see the development of a 1 MW hydrogen plant that is expected to begin operations this year. The facility will produce hydrogen using electrolysis powered by on-site solar energy, creating a local supply of zero-emission fuel for port operations and nearby industrial use.The agreement, signed for an initial period of 10 years, also includes an option for extension. Officials said the project will help position Tilbury among the first major ports in the UK to host commercial-scale hydrogen production for industrial applications.
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The initiative is part of broader efforts to cut carbon emissions, particularly in the transport and logistics sector, which accounts for a significant share of the UK’s emissions. Forth Ports is targeting net zero operations by 2042 and is exploring alternative energy solutions to achieve this goal.
The facility is also expected to support major infrastructure works such as the Lower Thames Crossing by supplying clean fuel, helping reduce reliance on diesel. In addition, the project is likely to generate skilled jobs and strengthen the regional supply chain for hydrogen.
Industry experts said the project highlights how existing industrial infrastructure can be used to produce renewable fuels, offering a scalable model for reducing emissions in logistics and heavy industry.
https://bioenergytimes.com/green-hydrogen-project-to-come-up-at-port-of-tilbury/
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Natural Gas / Transnational Pipelines/ Others
Egypt: BP, ADNOC Approve Harmattan Gas Project offshore Egypt
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co PJSC (ADNOC) and BP’s joint venture in Egypt has announced a final investment decision to proceed with the development of the Harmattan gas field. “The investment, estimated at approximately half a billion USD, will help support and increase natural gas production to meet domestic market needs”, Arcius Energy Egypt Ltd, the JV, said in an online statement.
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The project “reflects our confidence in the potential of Egypt’s energy sector and our commitment to close cooperation with the Egyptian government, EGAS [state-owned Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co] and our execution partners to strengthen Egypt’s natural gas supply, support energy security and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean”, said Arcius chief executive Naser Al Yafei.
Harmattan is part of the El Burg Offshore concession, owned 100 percent by Arcius, which acquired it February 2026.
Arcius said in the initial announcement of the transaction November 5, 2025 it expects Harmattan to start production 2028. The plan involves drilling up to three wells and installing a fixed offshore platform. The platform would be connected by a 50-kilometer (31.07 miles) pipeline to onshore processing facilities near Port Said, the announcement said.
Arcius also owns 10 percent of Shorouk, which contains the producing Zohr field; 100 percent pf North Damietta, which includes the producing Atoll and Qattameya fields; 100 percent of the North El Tabya exploration leases; and 50 percent of the Bellatrix-Seti East and North El Fayrouz exploration concessions.
ADNOC, through its international investment arm XRG PJSC, and Britain’s BP established Arcius December 2024 to develop gas in the North African country. BP owns 51 percent in Arcius. XRG holds 49 percent.
Last year BP announced the start of production in phase 2 of the Raven field offshore Egypt. BP expects Raven to produce approximately 220 billion cubic feet of gas and seven million barrels of condensate, it said in an online statement February 16, 2025.
Part of the West Nile Delta development, the second phase involved tying back infill wells to the field’s existing onshore infrastructure, according to BP. Raven came onstream 2021.
BP operates West Nile Delta with a 82.75 percent stake. BP’s partner is Scotland-based Harbour Energy PLC, which owns 17.25 percent.
Egypt contributed 518 million cubic feet a day of natural gas and 10,000 barrels per day of crude oil to BP’s net production last year, according to its annual report.
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US: Gas crosses $4 a gallon in the U.S. for the first time in 3 years
The price for a gallon of gas rose above $4 on Tuesday. That number crosses a psychological line for many Americans and reflects the ongoing cost of the war with Iran. Drivers are paying about a dollar more per gallon compared with the end of February, when the U.S. and Israel first launched their offensive against Iran and the price of crude oil spiked. Since then, oil markets have been on a roller coaster, rising up and down alongside pessimism and optimism for a quick end to the war.
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Oil markets have recently reflected concern that the Strait of Hormuz, the single most important waterway for the global oil trade, was far from reopening.
Overnight, Iran attacked and set on fire a massive Kuwaiti oil tankeroff Dubai. Other countries in the Middle East also reported drone attacks overnight, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Crude oil cost about $102 a barrel Monday. The price was about $67 before the war began.
The last time gas was above $4 a gallon was in the summer of 2022, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Americans are hitting the road despite elevated prices
For many Americans, there is no choice besides paying up. This past weekend, Ron Purdin filled up his car after church and said he supports the current war with Iran. Purdin drove to a Buc-ee’s in Leeds, Ala., where gas was about 50 cents below the national average but still well above the Deep South norm. It cost Purdin $43.09 to fill up his car, $10 more than a few weeks earlier, when he thought prices were already high.
He says he’s saved enough to go about two months with gas prices this high before he really feels it, but would rather they drop sooner.
“I’m ready for it to go back down,” Purdin said. “When you’re on a fixed income like I am, it makes it tough.”
Americans across the country are still hitting the road despite elevated prices. Drivers in mid-March also logged more miles compared with a month earlier, according to anonymized driver data to Allstate Corp.’s mobility analytics company, Arity, though Arity also said drives started from higher-income areas are adding up the additional miles faster compared with lower-income communities.
Younger generations are especially vulnerable to higher fuel costs. Gen Z and millennial households spend more on gas compared to their discretionary budget, according to the Bank of America Institute.
Not all driving is discretionary; some is needed for work. Ken Davis was driving back to Atlanta from Birmingham when he stopped at Buc-ee’s for fuel. He said he plans on cutting back on personal trips, but had to keep this business trip.
One way around the prices would be to go electric, like Davis’ wife, Dianna, with her EV.
“She’s got a full tank every day she leaves home,” Davis said. “I’m still going with gas, so I’ve got to pay the price.”
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Nigeria’s gas riches lure Europe, but pipelines aren’t ready
European energy officials are scrambling for alternative suppliers after strikes on QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan facility forced the company to declare force majeure on liquefied natural gas contracts with Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Nigeria consistently tops their shortlists. With Africa’s largest proven gas reserves and Atlantic shipping routes completely insulated from the chaos enveloping the Strait of Hormuz, the country offers a clear geographic and strategic advantage.
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Ambassadors from multiple European capitals have held quiet conversations with Nigerian government officials in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the discussions, pressing Abuja to consider how the country’s vast gas resources, conservatively estimated at over 600 trillion cubic feet, might help plug a supply gap that is growing more urgent by the day.
The last Qatari cargoes bound for European ports arrived in the UK and Italy around March 27, according to Kpler vessel-tracking data, leaving the continent scrambling as the storage refill season approaches.
Nigeria, for its part, wants the business. What it cannot immediately offer is the infrastructure to deliver it at scale.
“Nigeria has the resources and political intent to expand gas exports, but lacks the immediate infrastructure and regulatory consistency to meet a sudden surge in European demand,” said Ayodele Oni, partner and chair of Bloomfield LP’s Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group, one of Nigeria’s leading energy law firms.
Oni added, “The federal government’s push to attract investors and the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a roughly $20 billion project designed to carry about 30 billion cubic metres a year to Europe, underlines a long-term strategy to link Nigeria’s gas to European markets.
The scale of Europe’s predicament has sharpened quickly. Since Iranian authorities effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz beginning February 28, roughly 20 percent of global LNG flows have faced elevated geopolitical risk.
Asian buyers, currently paying between $1 and $3 per million British thermal units above European prices on the Japan-Korea Marker benchmark, have been pulling flexible Atlantic cargoes eastward, compounding the continent’s exposure.
Laura Page, insight manager for LNG and Natural Gas at Kpler, said 11 LNG cargoes have been confirmed as diverted from Europe to Asia, with two more redirected to Egypt and one to Turkey. Belgium’s Fluxys, which operates the Zeebrugge LNG terminal, has publicly named Nigeria and the United States as the most credible alternatives to cover what it describes as an eight percent shortfall in Qatari supply.
Nigeria’s geographic position makes the argument almost automatically. At roughly 10 sailing days from European ports, Nigerian LNG cargoes avoid both the Hormuz chokepoint and the longer eastward routing that inflates costs for Persian Gulf exporters competing for Atlantic market share.
Olalekan Ogunleye, executive vice president at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, made the pitch plainly at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston this month.
“We are right in the middle of the market,” he said. “We are 10 sailing days from Europe, close to the Atlantic Basin and close to Asia. We see commercial opportunities on top of the fact that we have the most gas reserves in Africa.”
Nigeria LNG, in which NNPC holds the largest stake, can export up to 22 million metric tons per year, with a seventh production train targeted for completion in 2027.
NNPC has begun preliminary conversations about adding two further trains and is pursuing a separate 12 million metric ton per annum project alongside gas-based industrial hubs.
Policy gaps and pipeline dreams
The gap between ambition and execution is where Nigeria’s gas story has historically come unstuck, and industry observers say the current moment is no different.
Two projects that once promised to dramatically expand Nigeria’s LNG footprint remain effectively dormant.
The Olokola LNG project, designed to produce 12.6 million metric tonnes annually, stalled after BG, Shell and Chevron all withdrew, leaving NNPC as the sole remaining partner. The Brass LNG project, planned at 10 million metric tonnes per annum, went quiet after ConocoPhillips pulled out in 2013.
Austin Avuru, chairman of AA Holdings and a veteran of Nigeria’s upstream sector, has been blunt about what is required. “Nigeria needs to match its gas slogan with effective, measurable, policy actions to drive investments in domestic gas supply,” he said in a recent note.
The country declared a decade of gas in 2021, but the investments needed to unlock that potential have not followed at anything close to the necessary pace.
Oni, at Bloomfield, acknowledges the legislative progress but argues it needs sharper execution to translate into bankable projects.
“Nigeria has introduced meaningful policy changes, most notably the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the National Gas Expansion Programme and various power and renewable measures, that improve the investment climate and incentivise gas development,” he said.
“To become a dependable alternative supplier for Europe, however, these reforms must be fully implemented and better coordinated. Priority actions include accelerating infrastructure financing, resolving security and operational risks, ensuring consistent regulatory enforcement, and aligning gas development with broader energy-transition goals.”
For European buyers watching storage levels and spot prices simultaneously, the honest assessment from Lagos is uncomfortable.
The near-term upside for Nigeria is real but limited, with higher revenues and improved utilisation of existing export capacity. The structural transformation that would make Nigeria a genuinely decisive swing supplier is a medium-to-long-term proposition.
“A rapid response is unlikely,” Oni said. “In the short term, Nigeria can expect only modest benefits because export infrastructure is already constrained. Over the medium to long term, with sustained investment and reform, Nigeria could materially increase exports by expanding LNG capacity, building new pipelines and improving upstream production and governance.”
What that requires, he argues, is coordinated action across the full chain, federal government policy consistency, expedited licensing from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, accelerated field development by NNPC and international oil companies, scaled infrastructure financing, and secured operations in the Niger Delta.
European partners, he adds, will need to bring offtake commitments and financing arrangements that make the risk calculus work for investors who have been burned before.
Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni was in Algeria this week seeking gas supply alternatives, a reminder that Europe’s immediate instinct is to reach for whatever pipe is already in the ground. Nigeria’s pipes, for the most part, are still on the drawing board.
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Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe jump as Strait of Hormuz remains blocked
Russian energy giant Gazprom’s average daily natural gas supplies to Europe via the TurkStream undersea pipeline rose 22 per cent from a year earlier to 55 million cubic metres in March, Reuters calculations showed on Wednesday.
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Supplies increased as the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around 20 per cent of global crude, products and liquefied natural gas, was effectively closed to most shipping due to the Iran war, leaving energy markets dangerously exposed.
Turkey is now the only transit route for Russian gas to Europe after Ukraine chose not to extend a five-year deal with Moscow that expired in January 2025.
Calculations based on data from European gas transmission group Entsog showed total Russian gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream stood at 1.7 billion cubic metres last month, up from 1.4 bcm in March 2025.
For the first three months of the year, exports increased 11 per cent year on year to around five bcm. Gazprom, which has not published its own monthly statistics since the start of 2023, did not respond to a request for comment.
The company’s gas exports to Europe fell 44 per cent last year to just 18 bcm, the lowest since the mid-1970s, following the closure of the Ukrainian route, according to Reuters calculations. Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe peaked at around 180 bcm per year in 2018-2019.
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Israel resumes Leviathan gas field operations after 32-day halt due to war
Israel has resumed operations at the Leviathan natural gas field in the eastern Mediterranean after a 32-day halt linked to the war with Iran, according to Israel’s Energy Ministry, Anadolu reports. The ministry decided to restart production at the Leviathan field, allowing exports to Egypt and Jordan to resume, Israeli economic newspaper Globes reported.
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Globes said the Tamar field remained the only operational gas field during the conflict, while it remains unclear whether the Karish field has also resumed operations.
Israel shut down the Leviathan and Karish fields on Feb. 28, when the war with Iran began, amid concerns the facilities could be targeted in attacks, the report said.
Israeli authorities remain concerned about potential attacks on offshore gas platforms and fields in the Mediterranean, the newspaper added.
Khan Herzog, chief economist at BDO and an adviser to Israel’s Natural Gas Association, said the shutdown of the Leviathan and Karish fields cost Israel about 1.5 billion shekels ($478 million) due to higher electricity costs and reduced gas revenues, according to the report.
The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.
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Natural Gas / LNG Utilization / Bio-LNG
Vietnam LNG Power Project Eyes Green Pivot on Soaring Gas Prices
Vingroup JSC has asked the Vietnamese government to allow it to replace a large liquefied natural gas power project with renewable energy, citing surging fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
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The rapid increase in LNG prices — due to war-driven supply disruptions in key exporter Qatar and intensifying competition among Asian buyers for limited supplies — has underscored significant risks for import-dependent projects like Vingroup’s proposed Haiphong LNG-to-power facility, it said in a letter seen by Bloomberg News.
The company proposed shifting to a mix of solar and wind power paired with battery storage, according to the document, which was first reported by Reuters. The letter was addressed to the country’s trade minister and the head of the Electricity Authority.
“In addition to cost factors, dependence on imported fuel also poses considerable challenges to energy security, supply autonomy, and Vietnam’s ability to control electricity generation costs,” Vingroup said in the letter.
A representative of VinEnergo, the startup energy unit of Vingroup, declined to comment on the matter. The Vietnamese government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The proposed pivot comes as energy-importing nations grapple with surging prices due to the US-Israeli war against Tehran. Iran’s retaliatory strikes have knocked Qatar’s export plant offline and effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 20% of global LNG supplies. Price-sensitive buyers, such as Vietnam, have been forced to scale back purchases as the fuel becomes increasingly expensive.
Vingroup’s move also signals that the war is forcing many companies and countries to rethink their strategy of leaning into gas to transition toward cleaner energy. Vietnam had been actively expanding its LNG infrastructure to bolster energy security as it replaces coal-fired power. It is now fast-tracking its plan to develop green power.
While a shift to renewables would reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices, Vingroup noted that upfront investment could be roughly five times higher than for an LNG plant. The company therefore asked the government to consider a pricing mechanism that would allow investors to recover costs, according to the letter.
The Haiphong project is planned to have a capacity of 4.8 gigawatts, with the first phase targeted for operation by 2030. Vingroup has already secured turbines for the initial tranche from GE Vernova Inc.
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Egypt, Cyprus sign framework agreement for cooperation on natural gas
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides on Monday, March 30, 2026, witnessed the signing of a framework agreement for cooperation on natural gas. The deal was inked by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Cypriot Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Michael Damianos on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2026), which is held from March 30 to April 1, at Al-Manara International Conference Center in New Cairo.
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The Cypriot president lauded the partnership between the two countries in the energy field, expressing appreciation for signing such a new agreement with Egypt amid the current challenges facing the region. President Christodoulides added energy represents a central pillar of the long-standing partnership between Egypt and the European Union.
Presidential spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy said a documentary was presented showing areas of joint cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus, followed by the signing ceremony of the framework agreement for cooperation on natural gas between the two countries.
Following the signing ceremony, the two leaders inaugurated the EGYPS 2026, where they inspected the pavilions of Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry, Apache Corporation, Cyprus’s Energy Ministry, and Dragon Oil, according to the spokesman.
The spokesman added that President Sisi held bilateral talks earlier with President Christodoulides ahead of the show, which focused on strong ties between the two countries, particularly growing cooperation in the energy sector.
During the talks, President Sisi said Egypt looks forward to upgrading relations with Cyprus to the level of “strategic partnership”, especially in light of the deep ties and close coordination in regional and international forums.
For his part, President Christodoulides thanked President Sisi for his continued commitment to strengthening cooperation with Cyprus across all fields, stressing his country’s pride in what he described as a pivotal relationship with Egypt.
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Qatar: QatarEnergy preparing for LNG production startup, sources say
QatarEnergy’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights,
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April 8 (Reuters) – QatarEnergy is preparing to restart liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
In March, QatarEnergy halted production of LNG and associated products due to military attacks on facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed.
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The company has restarted two out of three trains at QELNG North 1 (Qatargas-1), one of the sources said. QELNG North 1 is Qatar’s first-ever LNG project and is located in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The facility includes three conventional liquefaction trains with a combined capacity of approximately 10 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
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A return to full production is tied to ships being able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian navy threatened ships attempting to pass through the strait without Tehran’s permission, adding that transit through the waterway remained shut, according to several shipping sources.
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Global LNG Development
UK: SEFE announces open tender for LNG deliveries
SEFE has announced a tender for medium-term LNG deliveries covering the period 2027 – 2036. The tender is for delivered ex-ship (DES) LNG cargoes, primarily into north-west European terminals. Contract durations will range from 1 – 10 years.
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The tender is open to both LNG producers and portfolio players, with deliveries from successful counterparties set to start as early as 2027.
Frédéric Barnaud, SEFE’s CCO, said: “With this LNG tender, we want to engage the market, aiming to mitigate supply disruptions in the Middle East and strengthen Europe’s security of supply, while complementing our recent long-term LNG deals, including that with Argentina.”
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Japan: JERA’s LNG purchase deal with US Commonwealth LNG terminated, DOE filing shows
TOKYO, April 3 (Reuters) – A long-term liquefied natural gas sales and purchase agreement entered into last year between Japan’s largest power generator, JERA, and U.S. LNG developer Commonwealth LNG has been terminated, according to a document filed with the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Last June, JERA, also Japan’s top LNG buyer, said it had signed a 20-year SPA with Commonwealth LNG for 1 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) from the developer’s Louisiana project.A notification of the deal’s termination, dated April 1, was filed on behalf of Commonwealth. The letter said the agreement was terminated effective March 3, without giving a reason.
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Another 20-year LNG offtake lands in Mexican project’s bag
International Resources Holding (IRH), the Abu Dhabi-based natural resources investment platform and a subsidiary of 2PointZero Group, has struck a multi-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal with Amigo LNG, a Mexican joint venture between Texas-based Epcilon LNG and Singapore’s LNG Alliance, which is developing an LNG export terminal in Guaymas, Sonora, on Mexico’s West Coast. International Resources Holding has signed a 20- year LNG sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Mexico’s Amigo LNG, securing long-term LNG supply to support growing global energy demand at a time when global markets are feeling the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Ali Rashed Al Rashdi, CEO of International Resources Holding, commented: “This agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening IRH Global Trading’s long-term LNG portfolio. By securing competitively priced Pacific Basin supply, we are enhancing the resilience and diversification of our global trading platform while expanding our ability to serve key growth markets.
“As a company headquartered in the UAE, this partnership also reflects our commitment to supporting the country’s growing role as a global energy and trading hub, while building strategic relationships that contribute to the future of international energy markets.
”$25 billion price tag looms over Gulf energy infrastructure repairs, Rystad says
Given the reported damage and shutdowns impacting liquefied natural gas (LNG) assets, refineries, fuel terminals, and gas-to-liquids facilities across the Middle East region amid the military conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran, Rystad Energy, an energy market intelligence group, estimates that the Gulf energy infrastructure has the potential to be saddled with $25 billion in repair costs.
https://www.offshore-energy.biz/another-20-year-lng-offtake-lands-in-mexican-projects-bag/
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LNG as a Marine Fuel/Shipping
Lithuania: Anew Climate and Avenir complete first joint bio LNG bunkering in Europe
Anew Climate, a global leader in low-carbon fuel solutions, and Avenir, a leading provider of LNG and bio-LNG for the maritime sector, have announced the completion of their first joint bio-LNG bunkering operation at the LNG terminal in the Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, operated by KN Energies.
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During the operation, Anew supplied certified waste-based bio-LNG to an Avenir vessel, which transported the product to Sweden for use by vessels operated by Destination Gotland, a Swedish ferry operator, supporting the decarbonisation of passenger marine transport. This milestone marks Anew’s first bio-LNG bunkering project in Europe and follows a series of successful bio-LNG bunkering operations in North America, advancing the development of global bio-LNG supply chains.
Avenir deployed the Avenir Ascension for the operation. The 7500 m3 vessel forms part of Avenir’s fully-owned and operated fleet of five modern LNG bunker and supply vessels, with two additional vessels under construction. Operating across Northwest Europe, the Avenir Ascension performs more than 200 operations annually, supplying LNG and bio-LNG to marine and industrial customers, primarily in the Baltic region.
The bio LNG delivered in Klaipeda is sourced from Anew’s diversified bio-methane portfolio and supports near-term emissions reductions. Optimised for negative lifecycle carbon intensity, it meets FuelEU Maritime and RED III requirements and is fully compatible with existing LNG infrastructure – allowing shipowners to reduce emissions without modifying vessels or bunkering systems.
By combining Anew’s expertise in biomethane aggregation, certification, and regulatory compliance with Avenir’s established fleet, bunkering capabilities, and customer network, the partnership enables the delivery of bio-LNG to support shipowners and operators across the globe in meeting increasingly stringent decarbonisation targets.
With regulations such as FuelEUMaritime, RED III, the EU ETS, and evolving IMO frameworks, maritime operators face increasing pressure to reduce lifecycle emissions. Certified bio LNG provides a practical, drop in pathway to decarbonisation while maintaining continuity of operations.
“Greening shipping is not a future ambition – it is happening today,” said John Cosmo Dwelle, Managing Director at Anew Climate Europe. “By combining our expanding renewable gas network with Avenir’s maritime infrastructure, we are delivering robust, fully certified bio LNG supply chains that are practical, flexibly accessible, and aligned with regulatory requirements. We are proud to launch our first initiative with Avenir as we expand our bio-LNG offering globally.”
“Bio-LNG plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from shipping today,” said Jonathan Quinn, Managing Director at Avenir. “This transaction with Anew strengthens our ability to deliver reliable, traceable bio-LNG solutions, directly supporting our customers as they reduce emissions and progress on their decarbonisation pathways.”
”We are happy to see bio-LNG delivered to our vessels through Anew Climate and Avenir. For 2026, we are increasing Destination Gotland’s use of bio-LNG in order to support FuelEU Maritime compliance of vessels that need support to comply with the greenhouse gas criteria of the regulations through pooling,” added Henry Hammarström, Senior Energy and Climate Strategist and Head of Sales at Gotland Carbon Solutions.
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German: First LNG deliveries from Oman to German firm begin despite Iran war
BERLIN, April 1 (Reuters) – The first deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Oman to a German company have begun despite the war in Iran, said a spokesperson for the German state-owned gas supplier Sefe on Wednesday.
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The deliveries are currently unaffected by the developments in the Gulf region and have commenced as planned, said the spokesperson.
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From today’s perspective, there are no concerns regarding future deliveries,” added the spokesperson
Oman LNG signed a sales and purchase agreement with Germany’s Secure Energy for Europe (Sefe) in March 2024.
The agreement follows a prior commitment where Oman LNG inked a binding term sheet to supply Sefe with 0.4 million metric tonnes a year of LNG starting in 2026.
Germany’s Capital business magazine first reported on the delivery start.
Writing by Miranda Murray; editing by Matthias Williams
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China: ADNOC L&S takes early delivery of new LNG carrier
Keith Mander, Manager of Marine Projects at ADNOC Logistics & Services (fourth from left), with crew members, and representatives from Jiangnan Shipyard, at the delivery of Arada
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ADNOC L&S takes early delivery of LNG carrier Arada
ADNOC Logistics and Services has confirmed the early delivery of Arada, a 175,000 m³ liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard in China. Arada is the fifth of six newbuild LNG carriers ordered by ADNOC L&S as part of its ongoing fleet expansion program. Following delivery, the vessel has now commenced operations.
The delivery highlights the fact that it is very much business as usual for the company. In a statement, ADNOC L&S added: “Recent regional developments have not materially affected our global operations. Overall, the company remains financially strong and fully operational across all divisions.”
ADNOC L&S says it continues to closely monitor the current operating environment and is working in coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safety of its people and the continuity of its operations.
https://www.themaritimestandard.com/adnoc-ls-takes-early-delivery-of-new-lng-carrier/
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Oman: Omani, French and Japanese vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz
A French container ship, three Oman-linked tankers and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, as some vessels make the passage through the contested waterway. The container belonging to French shipping giant CMA CGM is the first Western vessel known to have made the passage since Iran effectively closed the strait, the Marine Traffic vessel website showed on Friday.
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The Malta-flagged Kribi, owned by CMA CGM, crossed the Strait on April 2. It was not immediately clear how the vessel, which the data shows is sailing south along the coast of Oman, secured safe passage.
There was no immediate comment from CMA CGM.
However, LSEG shipping data showed the vessel on Thursday changed its destination to “Owner France”, signalling to Iranian authorities the nationality of its owner, before crossing the strait’s Iranian territorial waters.
The vessels appear to have switched off their AIS transponders during the crossing because their signal disappeared on vessel-tracking data.
Two very large crude carriers and one LNG tanker operated by Oman Shipping Management also exited the Gulf on Thursday, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG data.
Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines said on Friday that the LNG tanker, Sohar LNG, which it co-owns, had crossed the strait, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and the first LNG carrier to do so since the conflict began on February 28.
Only about 150 vessels, including tankers and container ships, have transited the strait since March 1, according to data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Most were linked to Iran and countries such as China, India and Pakistan.
Beijing expressed “gratitude” on Tuesday after three of its ships passed through the strait, including two container ships on Monday belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco.
Energy crisis
Until the war led to the effective blocking of the strait, it was the route for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. As a result, fuel prices have skyrocketed worldwide.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump insisted that petrol prices would fall quickly once the war concluded, but offered no solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he invited sceptical US allies to do it themselves. He insisted that the war would be worth it.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to open the strait, and that only diplomatic efforts would work.
Macron has worked with European and other allies to build a coalition to guarantee free passage through the strait once hostilities have stopped.
Meanwhile, writing in the US journal Foreign Affairs, Iran’s former top diplomat said that Tehran should make a deal with the United States to end the war by offering to curb its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.
Tehran could “declare victory and make a deal that both ends this conflict and prevents the next one”, wrote Mohammad Javad Zarif, foreign minister from 2013 to 2021.
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Bangladesh: Govt rushes to buy three more LNG cargoes
Bangladesh has moved to buy three additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from the spot market for May delivery in its rush to secure supply amid fears of supply cuts from the Gulf region, especially Qatar, one of the world’s largest exporters of gas.
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With the initiative, the government has floated tenders to buy 12 LNG cargoes from the spot market since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.
The delivery of nine cargoes for April has been confirmed, though at much higher prices, said a senior official of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL), a state-run entity.
Bangladesh has to pay around $20 per million British thermal units (mmbtu) to buy LNG as prices have surged amid strained supply after the war on Iran began, and the conflict has inflicted damage on production sites and export hubs in the Gulf countries, including the Ras Laffan Industrial City complex in Qatar, which is home to processing units for LNG, according to reports.
Average prices of LNG cargoes were $10-11 per mmbtu during normal market conditions, said the official on condition of anonymity.
The RPGCL invited price proposals in a notice published on its website on April 1, seeking delivery between May 2 and May 9.
Bangladesh currently meets nearly 30 percent of its gas demand through imported LNG, as domestic production falls short of the daily requirement of around 2,650 million cubic feet.
The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted shipments of energy and fertiliser through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 25 to 30 percent of global oil and 20 percent of LNG trade.
This has pushed up global energy prices and intensified competition for supplies among key importing countries.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/govt-rushes-buy-three-more-lng-cargoes-4142111
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Technological Development for Cleaner and Greener Environment Hydrogen & Bio-Methane
Italy: European Commission Approves $7B Italian State Aid for Green Hydrogen
Italy has received clearance from European Union market guardrails for a EUR 6 billion ($6.96 billion) government support package to enable a renewable hydrogen production capacity of 200,000 metric tons a year “Both hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by electricity from renewable energy sources and hydrogen produced from biogenic sources through biological, bio-thermochemical and thermochemical processes is [sic] eligible under the measure”, the European Commission said in an online statement.
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The aid, which will run through 2029, takes the form of two-way contracts for difference. “Under these contracts, a strike price for hydrogen will be determined through a competitive bidding process”, the Commission said.
“If the price of an alternative fuel that would be used by the hydrogen consumers falls below that strike price, Italy will pay hydrogen producers the difference. If the price of the counterfactual fuel exceeds the strike price, the beneficiaries will pay the difference to the Italian state”.
Teresa Ribera, European Commission executive vice president for the energy transition, said, “This scheme will support the production of renewable hydrogen in Italy for sectors where it can contribute the most to reducing emissions. The scheme will contribute to the clean, just and competitive transition”.
The Commission assessed that the package “is necessary and appropriate to facilitate the production of renewable hydrogen for the decarbonization of the transport and industrial sectors”.
“The aid has an incentive effect as beneficiaries would not produce renewable hydrogen without the public support”, it added.
The aid is proportionate as it will be granted following a competitive bidding process based solely on the strike price offered by bidders”.
Additionally emission reductions from projects to be supported by the aid “outweigh the negative effects on competition”, the Commission concluded.
Last week the Commission said it had approved a French government aid offer for one gigawatt (GW) of electrolytic capacity to produce hydrogen. France plans three bidding rounds.
“The first tender concerns 200 MW [megawatts] of electrolysis capacity with an estimated budget of EUR 797 million”, the Commission said in a press release March 23. “Hydrogen produced under this scheme will be exclusively sold for directindustrial use, to limit the use of hydrogen to cases where no economically viable electrification alternative exists
“The aid will take the form of a fixed premium. Contracts will be concluded for a 15-year period.
“Beneficiaries will have to prove compliance with EU criteria for the production of renewable fuels of non-biological origin as well as low-carbon fuels, as set out in the delegated act on renewable hydrogen and the recently adopted delegated act on low-carbon hydrogen.
“The aid will contribute to offsetting the additional costs related to the cost of electricity needed to produce the renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in comparison with cheaper fossil hydrogen.
“The scheme will contribute to France’s effort to achieve 4.5 GW of electrolyzer capacity by 2030 and eight GW of capacity by 2035. France expects that the scheme will lead to up to 1,100 kilotons of CO2 [carbon dioxide] being avoided annually, which will contribute to France fulfilling its EU climate targets”.
Under the Hydrogen Strategy adopted 2020, the EU aims to enable 10 million metric tons of renewables-fueled hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The strategy aims to install at least 40 GW of electrolysis capacity for renewable hydrogen by the end of the decade.
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South Africa: Sasol and CHIETA boost South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions
South Africa’s green hydrogen economy ambitions have received a boost as the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and Sasol implement an industry-integrated Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training System at Sasol’s operations in Sasolburg.
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Developed in collaboration with global fuel cell education specialists Heliocentris, the system provides a realistic, hands-on platform that equips learners with practical competencies in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
At its core is a working 50W hydrogen fuel cell system, allowing learners to engage directly with the technology and understand key system functions through applied experimentation.
The programme is further strengthened by complementary training in solar PV and hydrogen system fundamentals, positioning it within the broader renewable energy and electrical trades ecosystem.
The training system’s design bridges the gap between theory and industrial application, builds foundational skills for emerging roles in the hydrogen economy, and ensures safe, scalable training aligned with industry standards.
“This is what execution at speed looks like,” said CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay.
“We didn’t just talk about green hydrogen — we funded it, built it, and delivered it.
“Because in the green hydrogen economy, no skills means no transition.”
Sasol, which is positioning itself as a fast follower in the global hydrogen economy, underscored the importance of aligning skills development with evolving market demands.
The initiative also addresses key industry constraints, including stringent safety requirements and the integration of hydrogen technologies into existing disciplines such as electrical engineering.
The project highlights the critical role of public–private partnerships in accelerating South Africa’s readiness for the energy transition.
As global investment in green hydrogen continues to gain momentum, initiatives such as this position South Africa not only as a participant in the emerging market but as a producer of the skills required to sustain and grow it.
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Egypt Signs MoU with China’s UEG to Develop Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Hub
Green Hydrogen Development Holding Limited, a subsidiary of United Energy Group (UEG), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Qir Fertilizers and Chemicals Company, Alexandria Fertilizers Company (Alexfert), and Orascom Construction SAE to explore the development of a Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Hub project in Alexandria.The project aims to develop a large-scale natural gas alternative through green hydrogen production powered by renewable energy, integrated into existing ammonia infrastructure.
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The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Egypt Energy Show 2026 (EGYPES) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) booth. The event was attended by Ihab Ragaee, First Undersecretary for Production at the MoPMR, and Song Yu, Chairman of UEG.
Under the terms of the MoU, UEG and Orascom Construction will lead feasibility studies for 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy generation (wind and solar) and green hydrogen production capacity equivalent to 480 tons per day of green ammonia.
“Egypt offers a strategic gateway for green energy investments, and we are actively working to bolster project studies and partnerships to bring this vision into reality,” stated Kamel Elsawi, Regional President of UEG Africa. UEG is a leading integrated independent energy company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Abu Qir and Alexfert will evaluate the integration of green hydrogen into ammonia production processes while supporting access to local resources and infrastructure. “This partnership reflects Abu Qir’s commitment to leading the transition toward low-carbon ammonia production, leveraging our existing assets while integrating green hydrogen solutions,” said Hany Dahy, Chairman of Abu Qir Fertilizers and Chemicals Company.
Alaa Elbanna, Chairman of Alexfert, added that the company is exploring practical pathways to incorporate green hydrogen into ammonia production, enhancing sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency. Gu Xiaodong, General Manager of UEG Hydrogen Limited, noted that the partners are advancing development activities to establish a scalable platform supporting both local industry and export markets.
The project aligns with Egypt’s ambitions to become a hub for green fuels, including renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO).
The MoPMR is currently developing investment incentive packages to increase the country’s global green hydrogen market share to 8%, targeting an annual production of 10 million tons (mmt), according to Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi.
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