The company informed stock exchanges that the foundation was incorporated on April 3, 2026, and the Certificate of Incorporation was received from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on April 17, 2026.

Focus on Innovation and Energy Transition

MC2 Foundation has been established as a dedicated institutional platform to foster innovation across the energy ecosystem. The initiative aligns with India’s national development priorities and long-term energy transition goals.

https://www.psuconnect.in/psu-news/petronet-lng-incorporates-mc2-foundation-to-boost-energy-start-ups-and-innovation

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From Rs 88 per cubic metre which was offered on April 1, which would add up to Rs 93 per cm, GGL has brought the price down to Rs 77 per cubic metre following multiple negotiations. The price of PNG for the tile-makers, however, still is 48% higher than Propane-LPG (Rs 52 SCM) whose supplies ran out after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the war in West Asia. It does however, bring the difference in prices between the regular users of PNG which were largely the sanitaryware units and those returning to PNG, which is the tile making units, to Rs 7 instead of Rs 23, bringing some semblance of parity to the sector.

The decision by Gujarat Gas comes two days after the retail prices of the ceramic products were increased by the Morbi Ceramics Manufacturers Association (MCMA) on April 15 by 30% to 50%. In spite of these decreased rates of PNG, the prices of end products will remain unchanged, the association said.

The shutdown at Morbi cluster, which accounts for 90% of the Indian ceramic industry, started on March 17 due the fuel shortage in India following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran in light of devastating attacks by the US and Israel starting February 28.

Almost all the fuel for the ceramic industry is imported, including all of the Propane-LPG and half of the natural gas.

According to data from Gujarat Gas, as of February 2026 (pre-crisis), of the 792 ceramic units in Morbi, 377 had been using PNG supplied by it while the other 415 units had been using Propane-LPG supplied by Oil Marketing Companies IOCL, BPCL and HPCL. While the 110-odd sanitaryware units and smaller tiles units had been using PNG, all the other tile units had been relying on Propane-LPG to fire their kilns. Before the West Asia war began, consumption of Propane-LPG was an average of 55 lakh cubic metres per day, and consumption of Natural Gas was approximately 25 lakh cubic metres per day.

After the supply of Propane-LPG to industry was throttled by lack of supplies from Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and remaining stocks were ordered priority redirection to residential cooking needs by the Government of India, the ceramic units, mostly the tiles units, were forced to turn to Gujarat Gas seeking PNG supplies.

However, these units, which were paying Rs 52 per cubic metre for Propane-LPG before February 28, were asked by Gujarat Gas on April 1 to pay Rs 88 plus 6% GST (Rs 93), to get PNG since their usage for the previous six months was nil. This calculation was based on a GoI directive dated March 9. On the other hand, the 142-odd units, which had been regularly using PNG even before the conflict, were asked to pay Rs 66.00 plus 6% GST, which comes to Rs 70 per cubic metre. This fuel pricing differential between units in the same sector has disappointed most of the units.

The MCMA representatives held a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on March 10. They held talks with Central government officials at Commerce Bhavan in New Delhi on April 14 and finally with IAS Avantika Singh Aulakh, MD of Gujarat Gas, on April 16.

Sandip Kundariya, president of the floor tiles division of the MCMA, said the association was hoping to get a rate of Rs 66 per cubic metre, which, after 6% GST, would bring them at par with the regular customers – Rs70 – but the demand was not accepted.

But, these meetings did bear some fruit with the government also agreeing to the need of incentivising fuel for restarting ceramic production. On April 17, the MCMA got a revised rate for PNG at Rs 73 plus 6% GST, bringing the effective cost to companies at Rs 77.38 per cubic metre.

The latest reduction in fuel costs for the ceramic units will have little impact on the retail prices of the ceramic products which were increased by the MCMA on April 15. (Express Photo)

30-50% hike on ceramic products to remain

The latest reduction in fuel costs for the ceramic units will have little impact on the retail prices of the ceramic products which were increased by the MCMA on April 15.

Narendra Sanghat, president of the Wall Tiles Division of the MCMA, said Saturday, “We have decided on a hike in product rates across the industry ranging from 30% to 50% corresponding to the type of product and the rise in production costs associated with each of them. There is currently no plan to reduce these rates.”

All ceramic units to open, conditions apply

Gujarat Gas expected an increase in its customer base in Modbi cluster from 142 to 270 by May 1 with the 128 companies signing contracts with it recently. With the latest reduction of PNG price, more business owners are likely to reignite kilns using PNG and recall their migrant workers from northern and eastern states to resume their businesses. Sources said that if conditions remained largely stable, the entire ceramics cluster could be up and running by the end of May 2026. However, this outlook currently appears to be a bit optimistic considering that a day after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial ships following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, the Islamic Republic again closed it on April 18, citing continuing US blockade of Iranian ports.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-gas-reduces-png-price-morbi-cluster-ceramics-prices-dearer-10644359/

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THINK Gas has established a robust pipeline infrastructure in Kadapa, district to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport users. Despite the presence of visible route markers, cautionary signage, and emergency contact boards along the pipeline route, the contractor involved in the excavation failed to notify THINK Gas before starting work and did not submit any post-incident report.

As per government regulations, any third-party planning to carry out excavation work must inform the City Municipal authorities or the City Gas Distribution company through the ‘Dial Before You Dig’ contact number. The incident occurred without prior intimation to the company, prompting THINK Gas to file an official complaint against the party responsible. As per the current legal provisions under IPC Sections 285 and 336, such unauthorized damage constitutes an offense punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of up to ₹25 crores.

THINK Gas urges all contractors, agencies, and individuals to comply with this safety requirement. The toll-free number to contact THINK Gas before any digging activity is 1800 2022 999.

https://www.thehansindia.com/business/think-gas-swiftly-restores-city-gas-supply-after-pipeline-damage-1068338#google_vignette

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New Delhi: Restaurant industry executives told ET they had received an email from city gas distributor Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) proposing to halve piped natural gas (PNG) pressure to 1 bar, subject to confirmation from their end.

The executives said LPG supply in Delhi remains affected ahead of the IPL semis and final matches and the ongoing wedding season.

Sandeep Anand Goyale, president of the Delhi chapter of National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and director of Essex Farms in Delhi, said he received an email stating that the PNG supplied at his premises has a pressure of 2 bar. “IGL is proposing to reduce the PNG pressure from 2 bar to 1 bar, subject to your confirmation,” the company said in its email, adding that the proposed reduction was being suggested for two reasons. “In situations where no production or activity is ongoing and PNG is running, higher pressure may lead to gas wastage. Reducing the pressure will help minimise such wastage. Additionally, many customers do not require 2-bar pressure for their normal operations and a reduced pressure of 1 bar is sufficient for smooth functioning,” the email said.

Goyale said there is a shortage of LPG supply in the city. “We are discussing this email internally and the consequences of this proposal will emerge in the days to come,” he said.

However, Amandeep Singh, senior vice president for PNG marketing at IGL, denied any such move.

In response to ET’s query, Singh said a proposal to reduce PNG pressure from 2 bar to 1 bar has been sent only to industrial users and is subject to confirmation from their end.

“We have sufficient capacity to maintain high-pressure supply. We have not sent any communication to commercial users or restaurants,” he said.

Anjan Chatterjee, founder of Speciality Restaurants, which owns brands such as Mainland China and Oh! Calcutta, said LPG shortage is already there. “If bar 1 comes in, there will be a 50% reduction in the pressure. And the pressure going down will lead to longer cooking periods. If this proposal is rolled out, it won’t be good news for the industry. We are looking at alternative energy sources but it’s not easy. We are already facing a lot of trouble,” he said.

Aseem Grover, owner of Big Chill Cafe chain, said the proposal seems to be voluntary for consumers with less consumption who were thus far being forced to pay a higher rate due to the conversion factor of high pressure.

As per the email, the proposal is not applicable for PNG usage in DG set/genset applications. “Further, with the reduction in PNG pressure, the billing correction factor will also reduce from 2.936 to 1.965,” according to the email.

https://m.economictimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/igl-proposes-to-halve-png-pressure-to-restaurants/amp_articleshow/130503324.cms

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Amid the mounting LPG supply crisis due to the Iran war, which has led to global disruptions, India has begun developing infrastructure for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipelines. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is in the process of concluding bid proposals for four pipelines, with an estimated investment of Rs 12,500 crore.

As part of this initiative, nine LPG pipeline projects have been identified for development. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) initiated suo motu proposals and conducted bidding for these pipelines. The board said it has stepped up the bidding process for LPG pipeline infrastructure to minimise bulk transportation to the extent possible.

The cumulative length of these proposed pipelines is ~2500 km, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of the initiative, it said. The four pipelines include the Cherlapally–Nagpur Pipeline, Shikrapur–Hubli– Goa Pipeline, Paradip–Raipur Pipeline, and Jhansi–Sitarganj Pipeline.

According to a press release by the regulatory body, the proposed pipelines are designed to connect key supply sources, including refineries and import terminals, with LPG bottling plants, thereby ensuring seamless evacuation and distribution of LPG across multiple regions.

 “In view of precedent accidents associated with LPG transportation by road, the modal transfer from road to pipelines would reduce risks involved in road transportation, ensuring safer and more dependable delivery,” the board said.

The board added that eliminating the bulk transportation of LPG through this project would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to India’s climate goals by replacing fuel transportation via tankers with an efficient pipeline system.

While addressing the media, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said, “Our domestic LPG supply, including petrol and diesel, is normal. There have been no reports of any dry-out of LPG at any distributor. Also, regarding auto LPG, in February, public sector oil marketing companies sold 177 tons of auto LPG per day, compared to approximately 296 tons per day in April.”

“State-wise, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal are seeing significant increases in auto LPG sales. The Government of India is trying to expand the PNG network to reduce the pressure on LPG. State governments have also been urged to grant deemed approval to all pending applications. Operations at our petrol pumps are normal, with ample supplies of petrol and diesel. Refineries are operating at optimal capacity. Crude oil stocks are sufficient. Domestic LPG production has been increased to support domestic supply. We have ample supply, so do not believe rumours and buy petrol, diesel, and LPG only as needed,” she said.

The Strait of Hormuz has been significantly affected due to the Iran war, leading to a huge supply chain disruption.

In a latest presser, Additional Secretary of the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry, Mukesh Mangal, said, “All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving an Indian-flagged vessel has been reported in the past 24 hours… Post operations are normal across the country, with no congestion recorded.”

https://www.thestatesman.com/india/govt-rolls-out-rs-12500-crore-lpg-pipeline-network-to-cover-2500-km-1503582889.html

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Collectively, the four pipelines would span across approximately 2,500 kilometres and attract an investment of about ₹12,500 crores.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pngrb-nears-concluding-of-bids-for-four-lpg-pipelines/article70873501.ece

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India has increased its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US, Oman, and Nigeria to make up for the shortfall in March. LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE will drop to zero by the end of March 2026 due to the Iran war.

According to Sam Reynolds, research lead at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, the country’s LNG sector is among the most exposed in Asia to the Iran conflict due to its reliance on Qatar and the UAE for nearly 60% of its supply. He also stated that even once the conflict is fully resolved, oil and gas facilities in the Persian Gulf will take several months to resume normal operations, and 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity will be offline for up to five years. Spot market LNG prices in Asia have doubled since hostilities began and are widely projected to remain elevated through 2027.

Reynolds noted that the short supply of LNG has not had any significant impact on India’s power generation as the share of gas in the country’s electricity mix has declined to below 1.5%. He added that India has instead turned to coal to mitigate power supply risks, while accelerating the commissioning of new wind and battery storage projects. Reynolds also warned that meeting peak electricity demand in the upcoming summer will remain a challenge amid the Iran conflict, though the power sector in India has remained relatively insulated from LNG price shocks.

According to Reynolds, similar to China, India’s LNG imports have fluctuated in recent years due to high prices. The country’s annual purchases fell by 6.4% in 2025. In both countries, LNG imports in 2025 were lower than in 2020.

“Alongside efforts to reduce energy demand and stabilize prices, several countries are reverting to coal, expanding nuclear capacity, or fast-tracking the deployment of battery storage and renewable technologies like wind and solar. Some are already canceling LNG projects,” said Sam Reynolds.

National responses vary, but one lesson is clear: just four years after the 2022 global energy crisis, geopolitical disruptions are once again undermining the case for LNG as an affordable, secure energy source for Asian countries.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2026/Apr/16/india-increases-lng-imports-from-us-oman-nigeria

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The vessel with a carrying capacity of 174,000 cubic meter (cbm) was flagged off on April 20 and is now en route to India. The ceremony was presided over by India’s Consul General in Houston, Texas, D C Manjunath, GAIL said in a statement.

“This ceremony symbolises the robust and growing India-US energy partnership, a relationship built on the shared priorities of reliability, innovation, and long-term security,” Manjunath said.

She emphasised that the flag-off aligns with India’s focus on the 3Ts – Trade, Technology, and Tourism, reflecting a deepening partnership anchored in mutual trust and shared goals of energy security.

Energy Fidelity is a centrepiece of GAIL’s future-ready shipping portfolio. Engineered for maximum efficiency, the carrier utilises advanced air lubrication systems and specialised propulsion technology to minimise its carbon footprint during the trans-oceanic voyage, the company said.

“This advanced LNG carrier stands as a testament to India’s growing strength in building a robust, future-ready energy ecosystem,” a company official said, adding that the vessel ensures a resilient supply chain and a reliable flow of cleaner fuel to support the country’s growth.

The deployment supports India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to build a world-class, sustainable fleet to transition the country toward a gas-based economy.

For GAIL, Energy Fidelity is more than a transport asset; it is a vital link in the nation’s domestic growth. By securing this dedicated logistical corridor, GAIL aims to “energise progress” and drive sustainable economic development, the company said.

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/oil-and-gas/gail-says-its-lng-vessel-energy-fidelity-flagged-off-from-us-to-bolster-indias-energy-supply-chain/130436178

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The project, estimated to cost around ₹5-6 crore, will come up on water bodies within the plant premises and is expected to generate 2–3 MW of electricity, the official said.

A floating solar power plant comprises a movable platform on the water surface and photovoltaic cells (panels) that generate clean energy from sunlight.

The project will be developed across two ponds spanning nearly 4 acres within the Bawana plant. These ponds are fed with treated water supplied via pipeline from the Rohini sewage treatment plant and used for condenser operations. By installing solar panels on these water surfaces, the government aims to optimise unused space while boosting renewable energy output, the official said.

The official said a tender for the project will be floated soon. The technique has already been adopted in states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

If successful, the official said, the model could be scaled up across other natural and artificial water bodies in Delhi.

According to experts, floating solar systems offer dual benefits: they not only generate electricity but also reduce water evaporation, thereby improving water conservation.

The Delhi government has been pushing for the adoption of rooftop solar plants in the city. According to the government’s solar policy, 4500 MW of solar power is targeted for March 2027.

In an attempt to curb water losses and improve security, the Delhi government had announced that it was exploring plans to cover the Munak canal with solar panels. The project was in the planning and feasibility assessment phase and aimed to curb massive water losses, generate clean electricity, and enhance safety and cleanliness along the canal.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/govt-approves-first-floating-solar-power-project-at-bawana-power-plant-101776622121280-amp.html

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India is targeting 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2030, five times the current size of the global market and roughly double analyst estimates for Chinese output by that year, backed by government subsidies of approximately $2.1 billion, according to a report by Reuters. China invested $3.7 billion in the sector last year alone, more than double US levels, according to Rystad Energy.Both nations are filling a vacuum left by Western governments, which have scaled back earlier green hydrogen commitments after production costs proved more resistant to reduction than anticipated.

What is green hydrogen? Hydrogen produced by splitting water using electricity generated from renewable sources, solar or wind, rather than fossil fuels. Unlike conventional ‘grey’ hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas, green hydrogen produces no carbon emissions. It is considered critical to decarbonising industries such as steel, fertilisers and shipping, which cannot easily electrify.

The cost curve

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023 with a total outlay of 19,744 crore, has used competitive reverse auctions to drive production costs from approximately $5 per kilogram at inception to around $3 today. Mission head Abhay Bakre told Reuters the cost should reach $2 per kilogram by 2032. As of February 2026, approximately 8,000 tonnes per year of capacity has been commissioned under the mission. Suppliers and fertiliser companies have signed offtake agreements for 724,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, potentially covering a third of India’s hydrogen requirements.China’s $2 billion Chifeng project in Inner Mongolia, the world’s largest, is already exporting green ammonia to South Korea. Rystad projects China will have 2.6 million tonnes per year online by 2031. Beijing’s March 2026 five-year plan classified green hydrogen as a frontier industry alongside quantum computing and Al robotics. In high-resource regions, Chinese production costs have fallen to approximately $2 per kilogram, near parity with coal-based hydrogen.

The shared mechanism

Both countries have resolved the demand-supply coordination problem that stalled Western ambitions: India by pairing production subsidies with guaranteed government offtake from state-run refineries and fertiliser plants; China through state-led industrial planning. The result, in both cases, is projects that are commercially viable from financial close rather than dependent on demand that may materialise years later.What it means for listed Indian companies

Four companies named in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, L&T, BPCL, GAIL and JSW Steel, have distinct roles in the value chain and materially different near-term versus long-term exposure.

L&T is an engineering enabler: it builds electrolyser plants and hydrogen infrastructure rather than producing hydrogen. Its order book grows as the ecosystem scales. BPCL has captive demand from day one, its refineries are offtake customers under the government’s auction programme, and is installing 5 MW electrolysers at its Kochi and Bina facilities. GAIL’s 22,000-km gas pipeline network is its structural moat: hydrogen blending and eventual hydrogen transport make it the infrastructure backbone of any scaled-up ecosystem. JSW Steel, through JSW Energy, is the first Indian company supplying green hydrogen for commercial steel production, with a 3,800 tonne-per-year project underway.For all four, green hydrogen remains a small fraction of current revenues. Motilal Oswal, in a March 2026 note, recommended a 5-plus year investment horizon for the sector, with most projects still at pilot or early-commissioning stage. The policy framework is the strongest it has been, but the distance between 8,000 tonnes commissioned today and 5 million tonnes targeted by 2030 remains the central execution risk.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/india-green-hydrogen-2030-target-china-lt-bpcl-gail-jsw-steel-stocks-13896261.html

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After attending a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday, Lahadalia said that the CNG option is still in the cross-sector discussion and consolidation stage before being finalized as a national energy policy.

“The development of CNG is still under discussion and will be finalized. This is an alternative to strengthen energy independence in the LPG sector,” Lahadalia said.

He explained that the development of CNG is part of efforts to promote energy independence, particularly by reducing reliance on LPG, most of which is still imported.

According to him, CNG is derived from natural gas, primarily consisting of methane (C1) and ethane (C2), which are relatively abundant domestically. The gas is then compressed using specialized equipment to pressures of around 250–400 bar for use as fuel.

Lahadalia noted that CNG has significant potential because domestic gas resources are more abundant than LPG feedstock, which depends on propane and butane (C3–C4), whose production in Indonesia is limited.

However, he added that the government is still conducting technical studies and inter-agency consolidation to ensure that CNG implementation is effective and delivers optimal benefits for national energy security.

“We are still in the consolidation stage to achieve optimal results,” he said.

Meanwhile, PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is promoting the use of CNG to support state financial efficiency, as it relies on domestic energy sources and can reduce imports.

Through its subsidiary, PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, CNG services are being expanded across various regions. PGN Gagas offers Gaslink products for industrial, commercial, and retail sectors, as well as Gasku for land transportation through gas filling stations (SPBG).

CNG has also been implemented in several strategic government projects, including providing energy for service kitchens under the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) program in Batam, Bogor, and Boyolali.

With this potential, CNG is seen as a more efficient, practical, and environmentally friendly energy solution, while also expanding public access to clean energy.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/413777/indonesia-eyes-cng-to-reduce-reliance-on-lpg-imports

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The Westcoast pipeline transports natural gas from northeastern British Columbia down to Sumas, near the border with Washington state. It was originally built by Spectra Energy before that company merged with Enbridge in 2017.

The Sunrise Expansion Program aims to add an additional 139 kilometres of new pipe using looping segments and compressor stations to boost Westcoast’s capacity by 300 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

A media release from the federal government pegged the value of the project at $4 billion, while also adding $3 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and adding more than $700 million in provincial and federal tax revenues.

Last year, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the McLeod Lake Indian Band were among 36 First Nations who partnered together to buy a 12.5 per cent stake in Westcoast for a sum of $715 million.

The approval for the project includes 47 binding conditions, including some relating to environmental protection and engagement with Indigenous groups.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said in the release that the approval fulfills the government’s commitment to get projects approved and built.

 “This project will enable us to heat more homes, businesses, hospitals and schools while bolstering British Columbian industry, including for LNG and creating thousands of jobs,” Hodgson said.

“It is proof that, in partnership with industry and Indigenous partners, we can strengthen energy security and price stability and create new international trade opportunities while meeting rigorous environmental and safety standards.”

Enbridge president and CEO Greg Ebel said his company is thankful for the support of the federal government and stakeholders in the project.

“The multibillion-dollar Sunrise Expansion Program is a shovel-ready, critical natural gas infrastructure project that supports the advancement of Canada’s energy superpower ambitions,” Ebel said.

“We’re proud of our long history investing and building in Canada and British Columbia, and we’re excited about the role this project will play in increasing economic prosperity and energy security.”

The federal sign-off on the project comes after the federal energy regulator recommended approval back on Feb. 4.

A later media release sent out by Enbridge said that construction is expected to start in July for the facilities needed for the project with work on the pipeline starting in August. Work is expected to be finished by the end of 2028.

During a regional district board meeting last year, Enbridge representatives said they were intending to build temporary accommodations for 850 workers on the project inside Fraser-Fort George.

Across the province, an estimated 2,500 workers will be needed to build the expansion. The Fraser-Fort George section of the work will include five segments of pipeline looping and include 1,400 workers.

One of those sites will go near Mackenzie with capacity for up to 700 workers. The second will be closer to the Powder King ski resort and will accommodate up to 150.

Another portion of the work will be near Hixon, but Enbridge intends to use existing accommodations for them.

https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/local-news/feds-approve-westcoast-natural-gas-pipeline-expansion-12189109

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Ding, also Chinese vice premier and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the fourth phase of the gas field with National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, The Caspian Post, citing Xinhua.

In his address, Ding said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders, China-Turkmenistan natural gas cooperation has yielded fruitful results, strongly supporting the economic and social development of both countries and benefiting their people.

He noted that the smooth commencement of the project is a significant achievement in deepening comprehensive cooperation between China and Turkmenistan, and opens a new chapter in bilateral natural gas collaboration.

Ding said the project carries the earnest expectations of the top leaders of both countries and embodies the shared aspirations of the two peoples. He expressed the hope that relevant authorities and enterprises of both sides will make meticulous arrangements, carry out construction in a scientific manner, and advance the project in a solid and orderly way.

Ding put forward a three-point proposal.

First, both sides should prioritize quality and build the project into a premium one by promoting craftsmanship and advancing construction to high standards, thus striving to deliver a first-class project that can stand the test of time.

Second, both sides should pursue innovation-driven development and make the project a benchmark by promoting innovations in project management, technology and cooperation models, so as to provide experience and demonstration for major natural gas projects.

Third, both sides should adhere to win-win cooperation and make the project a symbol of friendship by strengthening technical exchanges and personnel training, ensuring that the outcomes of cooperation better benefit the two peoples and contribute to China-Turkmenistan friendship.

He noted that China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to take major projects such as the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as a new starting point to deepen practical cooperation across various fields, promote common development and regional prosperity, and jointly build a closer China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future.

Ding and Berdimuhamedov jointly initiated drilling operations via video link and held a foundation-laying ceremony. They also visited an exhibition of oil and gas equipment.

https://caspianpost.com/energy/china-turkmenistan-boost-ties-with-gas-field-expansion

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“I believe a Basra–Ceyhan pipeline could be extremely attractive and a very important project for both Iraq and Turkey, as well as for regional supply security—especially from Europe’s perspective,” Birol said in an interview with Hürriyet, published on Sunday. “I also believe the financing issue can be overcome. Now is exactly the right time.”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-19/iea-head-pitches-iraq-turkey-pipeline-to-bypass-hormuz-hurriyet

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Fully constructed and commissioned in 2025, the Cai Mep LNG terminal was originally developed by Hai Linh Company Ltd. Over the past 12 months, the terminal has been mechanically completed, commissioned, and ramped up under the joint stewardship of AG&P LNG and Hai Linh, and now is ready to deliver reliable LNG supply to downstream customers in the South Vietnam market.

The Cai Mep LNG terminal is connected to the nearby Phu My industrial zone and has pipeline connectivity to Vietnam’s largest power generation complex, Phu My, with a gas-fired capacity of 3.9 GW. Strategically located near the Mekong River Delta, the terminal features three onshore tanks with a total LNG storage capacity of 220 000 m3, LNG break-bulk capability to reload LNG into smaller vessels, and 14 bays for CNG and LNG truck loading. Well-connected via multiple highways to nearby demand centres, Cai Mep has become a critical node in Vietnam’s emerging LNG-to-power supply chain.

Peter Gibson, Chairman, Nebula Energy, said: “Taking full ownership of Cai Mep is a defining milestone for AG&P LNG and for Vietnam’s energy transition. Since our initial investment decision in 2024, the terminal has successfully commenced operations and is now posed for being the key gas infrastructure in South Vietnam’s gas infrastructure. Consolidating 100% of Cai Mep allows us to integrate the terminal end-to-end with our LNG supply, shipping, and downstream distribution platforms, and deliver reliable, competitively priced LNG to power plants and industries across the country. We are deeply grateful to Hai Linh Company Ltd for their partnership and vision in bringing this terminal to life.”

Le Van Tam, CEO, Hai Linh Company Ltd, added: “We are proud of what Hai Linh and AG&P LNG have accomplished together at Cai Mep – from completing construction to successful commissioning and commercial operations. As Vietnam’s LNG market enters its next phase of rapid growth, we believe AG&P LNG, as a specialized global LNG infrastructure company backed by Nebula Energy, is ideally positioned to scale Cai Mep to its full potential. Divesting our stake allows Hai Linh to redeploy capital into our core petroleum business and our Hiep Phuoc Power Plant, while ensuring Cai Mep continues to serve Vietnam under strong, committed ownership.”

https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/23042026/agp-lng-to-increase-stake-to-100-in-cai-mep-lng-terminal/

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As in each of its procurement processes, the company invited 39 prequalified firms to participate in the tender. Of those, six submitted bids in the latest process.

https://www.lngindustry.com/regasification/24042026/naturgy-awarded-one-lng-cargo-supply-contract/amp/

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Turkmenistan holds the world’s fourth largest gas reserves and nearly all its exports go to China. Galkynysh, which is located in the Karakum desert about 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of the capital Ashgabat, has been producing gas since 2013 and is the world’s second-largest gas field. The expansion work is being carried out by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) together with local partner Türkmengaz. Both are state owned companies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the smooth commencement of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field will further elevate energy cooperation between China and Turkmenistan to a new level.

He added that under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders, China-Turkmenistan natural gas cooperation has yielded fruitful results, strongly supporting the economic and social development of both countries and benefiting their people.

And he advanced a three-point proposal:

Both sides should prioritise quality and build the project into a premium one by promoting craftsmanship and advancing construction to high standards, thus striving to deliver a first-class project that can stand the test of time.

Both sides should pursue innovation-driven development and make the project a benchmark by promoting innovations in project management, technology and cooperation models, so as to provide experience and demonstration for major natural gas projects.

Both sides should adhere to win-win cooperation and make the project a symbol of friendship by strengthening technical exchanges and personnel training, ensuring that the outcomes of cooperation better benefit the two peoples and contribute to China-Turkmenistan friendship.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between China and Turkmenistan in the natural gas sector held in the capital Ashgabat the previous day, Ding said that natural gas cooperation has served as a cornerstone of China-Turkmenistan relations. Under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders, China and Turkmenistan have always stayed true to their original aspirations, taking strategic mutual trust as the fundamental premise, traditional friendship as the solid foundation, mutual benefit as the key driving force, and a long-term perspective as an important safeguard.

He again put forward three proposals:

Consolidate the foundation of traditional energy cooperation, place greater emphasis on viewing China-Turkmenistan natural gas cooperation from a strategic height and with long-term interests in mind, fully implement the existing cooperation consensus, and steadily advance the construction of more new major projects.

Expand new areas of energy cooperation, follow the trend of green and low-carbon energy transition, promote the parallel development of cooperation in traditional energy and green energy, and create an all-round pattern of energy cooperation.

Work together to safeguard global energy security, ensure the stability and smooth flow of energy production and supply chains, promote the stable operation of energy markets, and build a more fair, just, balanced and inclusive global energy governance system.

The previous day Ding had a meeting with National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Ding said that natural gas cooperation is a vivid manifestation of the mutual benefit and win-win nature of China-Turkmenistan relations, which has developed steadily and achieved fruitful results in recent years, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Meanwhile, the two countries should further enhance cooperation in non-resource areas such as connectivity, economy and trade, as well as investment, and expand cooperation in fields such as photovoltaics, wind power, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence.

China is willing to continuously strengthen coordination and collaboration with Turkmenistan under the framework of the China-Central Asia mechanism, and supports Turkmenistan, as a permanently neutral country, in playing a greater role on multilateral stages such as the United Nations.

For his part, Berdimuhamedov asked Ding to convey his sincere greetings to Xi, noting that his visit to China last month yielded practical results and left him with warm memories. He expressed appreciation for China’s support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality, and willingness to enhance coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, jointly safeguarding regional prosperity and development as well as world peace and stability.

The next day Ding met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

He first conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and best wishes and said that Xi met twice with Berdimuhamedov last year, charting a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations. China-Turkmenistan relations are rooted in a history of friendly exchanges spanning over 2,000 years, and mutual support is the core essence of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China will always support Turkmenistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as in pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality, and will remain a trustworthy partner for Turkmenistan.

Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan highly commends the four global initiatives proposed by Xi and will firmly support China in hosting the third China-Central Asia Summit next year.

As noted above, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had paid a goodwill visit to China the previous month.

Meeting with President Xi Jinping on March 18, the Chinese leader noted that China’s annual “two sessions” were successfully concluded not long ago, during which the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development was reviewed and approved. The implementation of this Plan will lay a solid foundation for China to basically achieve socialist modernisation and will also benefit countries around the world. Over the past 35 years since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has blazed a trail of independent development that suits its national conditions. China will work with Turkmenistan to discuss plans for cooperation and share development opportunities as we enter the Year of the Horse, so as to further deepen and substantiate the China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future. [The horse, especially the Akhal-Teke breed, holds a special place in Turkmen culture.]

Xi Jinping underscored that mutual support is the core of the China-Turkmenistan comprehensive strategic partnership. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will always support Turkmenistan in upholding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, always support Turkmenistan in pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality, and always remain Turkmenistan’s trustworthy cooperation partner. The two sides should work faster to create greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkmenistan’s Revival of the Great Silk Road Strategy, expand cooperation in natural gas, enhance the scale of trade and investment, and deepen collaboration in connectivity, agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital economy, clean energy and other non-resource areas.

Berdimuhamedov expressed his great pleasure at visiting the great country of China, and congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the “two sessions,” during which important decisions and plans were made for the country’s development. China’s prosperity and development benefit the world. When everything is good in China, the world is better. Turkmenistan appreciates China’s support for its status of permanent neutrality, speaks highly of the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping as a world-class leader, and commends China’s consistent position of upholding justice in international affairs. Turkmenistan will strengthen coordination and collaboration with China within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the China-Central Asia mechanism to jointly safeguard peace and stability of the region and beyond.

It should be noted that, whilst such major projects as the Galkynysh extension are agreed and initiated far in advance, and cannot simply be seen as a response to immediate events, the coincidence of timing and the high level accorded to the ceremony cannot be separated from wider geopolitical events, with the US aggression against both Venezuela and Iran having as one of its objectives to threaten and constrain the security of China’s energy supplies. China’s long-standing energy cooperation with Turkmenistan, and its quantitive and qualitative uplift, therefore has great significance beyond just a bilateral economic relationship and testifies to the strategic farsightedness of China’s approach to energy security and related issues.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

https://socialistchina.org/2026/04/23/china-boosts-natural-gas-partnership-with-turkmenistan/

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The program will facilitate activities designed to enhance Egypt’s readiness for green hydrogen investments. These activities include conducting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for priority projects, providing technical advisory for policy development, and strengthening institutional capacities. Furthermore, the program will support the establishment of a Green Hydrogen Center of Excellence at the SCZONE headquarters in Sokhna to serve as a hub for technical innovation and sector governance.

This initiative is part of the Global Clean Hydrogen Program, implemented by UNIDO and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a multilateral fund providing grants for climate and critical projects. The program spans 10 nations, with Egypt positioned as a pivotal regional leader in the transition toward sustainable energy.

A steering committee has been formed to oversee implementation, comprising representatives from the SCZONE General Authority, UNIDO as the implementing agency, the Ministry of Environment as the national focal point for the Global Environment Facility, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and the Ministry of Industry. This is coordinated with the National Council for Green Hydrogen to ensure effective institutional coordination and monitoring of program activities in line with national priorities.

Egypt is rapidly emerging as a global frontrunner in green hydrogen development, boasting an $83 billion project pipeline. The sector has attracted over $215 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2021 and 2023, with more than 80% of these endeavors centered in SCZONE. Key industrial milestones include the November 2022 launch of Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen facility and the world’s first green ammonia shipment from the SCZONE in November 2023. To support this growth, the national strategy targets the production of 5.8 million metric tons (mmt) of green hydrogen by 2040, aiming to capture up to 8% of the global market.

Another milestone includes Egypt’s first industrial use of hydrogen as boiler fuel at the Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemical Company, French-backed projects near Ras Shukeir.

https://egyptoil-gas.com/news/sczone-unido-launch-national-clean-hydrogen-program/

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In a 385-hour test mission, it performed over 4,000 manoeuvres, tracing a profile simulating real-world operation.

Cellula said that Envoy exceeded specification performance in the demonstration, with potential for deployments in geophysical surveying, underwater infrastructure inspection, and various defence uses.

William Smith, CEO of Infinity, said the result underscores the potential role of fuel cells in long-range autonomous subsea operations.

Hydrogen has recently garnered interest around deployment in unmanned defence applications due to its ability to offer long ranges and reduced acoustic and thermal signatures.

In January, Ukrainian aerospace company Skyeton deployed a fuel cell-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, the Raybird UAS, for reconnaissance purposes in the war between Ukraine and Russia.

UK developer Acua Ocean is also targeting defence uses for its fuel cell-powered uncrewed service vessel, which has been undergoing trials since last year.

https://www.gasworld.com/story/unmanned-hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered-submarine-travels-2000km-underwater/2247776.article/

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