Reporting by Mohi Narayan in New Delhi and Ananta Agarwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/gail-india-seek-three-lng-cargoes-per-year-three-years-says-chairman-2025-03-19/

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Developed at a cost of over Rs 650 crore, Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) built a pipeline with capacity of 18 million standard cubic meters daily. Comprising the outskirts of the Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary’s eco-sensitive zone, the pipeline commissioned on March 20 traverses.

From the HPCL LNG terminal at the Chhara in Gir-Somnath district to Lothpur in Amreli district, including the despatch terminal at Chhara LNG terminal, the work for engineering, procurement, and construction of the pipeline was assigned to the Mumbai-based construction company Ace Pipeline Contracts Private Limited (Ace Pipeline) in September 2023, the release added.

The 5 MTPA LNG capacity of the HPCL LNG terminal at Chhara in Gir Somnath is regasification capacity. Operating this terminal is HPCL LNG Limited, a division of State-run HPCL.

https://www.psuconnect.in/psu-news/hpcl-greenfield-5mtpa-lng-terminal-commissioned-at-chhara-district-of-gujarat

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Strategic LNG agreements

The primary feature of India’s energy strategy puts the spotlight on establishing strategic energy agreements. In order to achieve both energy diversification and stability, India entered into long-term LNG supply agreements with foreign partners. The volatility of global energy markets leads nations to enter into deals that protect their energy supply and reduce geopolitical risk impacts.

However, India’s approach to energy security is not just about imports. A landmark agreement to export LNG to neighbouring countries via cryogenic trucks signals a shift in India’s role from a major energy consumer to an emerging regional supplier. This move not only strengthens economic ties within South Asia but also enhances India’s influence in the regional energy market.

Government’s push for LNG expansion

The Government of India has placed LNG at the forefront of its energy transition with an aim to grow its energy mix percentage from 6.2% to 15% by 2030. The move towards this strategy results from requirements to reduce carbon emissions and maintain both stable and cost-effective energy delivery. Experts from the industry have emphasised that building pipelines and expanding regasification terminals and distribution networks is necessary to support the energy transition.

Beyond infrastructure, affordability remains a key concern. Executives from the energy sector stress that accessibility across remote locations depends on policy changes and increased funding for logistics infrastructure. A secure and extensive network contributes to industrial development while serving as a crucial component in India’s movement toward cleaner energy alternatives to coal and other high-emission fuels.

Sustainable energy initiatives

Sustainability is a key focus of India’s energy strategy, with a strong commitment to achieving a 20% ethanol blending target by October 2025. The country’s abundant biofuel feedstock—estimated at 500 million metric tonnes—presents a significant opportunity to scale up indigenous fuel production. This aligns with India’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and promote rural economic development. Significantly, global collaborations on biofuels reflect a growing international effort to harness cleaner energy sources. Innovations such as cost-effective biofuel conversion kits and flex-fuel vehicle technologies further underline the potential of biofuels in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy alternatives.

Collaboration for energy innovation

India’s energy strategy extends beyond domestic concerns, with companies engaging in agreements with international energy firms to explore collaboration in exploration, production, and decarbonization. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and cutting-edge technology, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of energy innovation.

Cooperation in oil and gas exploration, alongside joint efforts in carbon capture and alternative energy research, reflects an industry-wide shift towards a balanced and sustainable approach to energy development. With global stakeholders acknowledging India’s growing energy footprint, such collaborations are expected to shape the country’s energy policies and infrastructure investments in the years to come.

Diversified energy future

India’s energy transition is driven by a clear commitment to a diversified and sustainable energy future. By focusing on strategic partnerships, climate-conscious initiatives, and cultivating global collaborations, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the global effort to achieve a low-carbon energy landscape.

As investments in infrastructure, technology, and policy reforms continue, India’s energy security will be further strengthened, ensuring a resilient and adaptive approach to the challenges of the evolving global energy market. The proactive steps being taken today will shape the country’s long-term energy roadmap, ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental responsibility, and regional energy cooperation.

https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/lng-role-securing-energy-future

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The previous high was registered in 2021 when India imported 5.56 BCM of LNG from the North American country, which overtook the UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier in 2023 CY, after Qatar. In the same year, the US also became the world’s largest LNG exporter, accounting for 21 per cent of the market, followed by Australia and Qatar.

Imports to inch higher

A top government official said that oil and gas volumes from the US will rise “for sure”. However, the scope is higher for LNG considering that India generally imports light sweet crude oil from the US (WTI), which yields more petrol.

Logistics and crude costs are the key as Middle East crude freight costs are around $1.50 per barrel, roughly one-third of the US costs.

“February’s joint statement emphasises on establishing the US as India’s leading supplier of crude oil, ethane, petroleum products and LNG. India needs more light sweet crude in line with growing personal vehicles and SUVs. Same with gas and ethane as industry base expands,” the official added.

The US is already India’s sixth largest energy trade partner, which hit $13.7 billion in FY24. It is also the fifth largest crude oil supplier and the second largest source for LNG. The US accounted for roughly 3 per cent of crude oil and 13-13.5 per cent of LNG imports in FY24.

“First tranche of the bilateral trade agreement is expected in October-December 2025, which will push energy trade. For instance, crude oil can raise the US share to 5-6 per cent. During Covid in FY22, American crude imports hit a high of around 8 per cent. We do not expect the share will go over that for now,” a top official with a domestic refiner said.

The official too agreed that LNG has more scope considering the growing requirement for natural gas. “America’s share in LNG imports can go up to 17-18 per cent easily. More term contracts can be signed,” he added.

Evolving trade dynamics

A senior executive with a top oil and gas company said that LNG supplies from the US to India will appreciate further in FY26 as the new US administration views LNG as not just a growth driver, but also a geopolitical lever.

 “It’s a critical period for global gas market. LNG trade maps will again undergo some change like after the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The US is pushing hard and wants to move deeper into India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Asia is the big game.”

 “Besides, the trade war, these countries are either negotiating or are going to negotiate term contracts with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This US push will have a bearing on negotiations as prices (spot and long term) will soften in the next 2-3 years, due to excess capacity,” he explained.

American LNG imports are more efficient as freight cost efficiencies are better than crude oil. Besides, associated gas production has helped it to export the commodity at competitive terms.

Associated natural gas is extracted from wells that predominantly produce oil and comes mainly from five major oil-producing regions in the US—the Permian, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, and Niobrara. It contains natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs) such as ethane, butane, and propane.

According to a recent report by Wood Mackenzie, falling production amidst rising demand for LNG is expected to push up imports with India likely to become the world’s third largest importer, after China and Japan, by 2032 with in-bound cargoes accounting for 75 per cent of its gas consumption.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/indias-lng-imports-from-the-us-at-record-725-bcm-in-2024/article69345205.ece

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The overseas arm of state-owned exploration and production giant ONGC, OVL holds a 10 per cent stake in the $20 billion “Offshore Area 1” LNG project, which has been under force majeure since April 2021 following attacks by Islamic State terrorists in Northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. The revocation of the force majeure is expected soon, company officials said.

OVL’s board approved an investment up to ₹1,500 crore in Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique Limited (BREML), an OVL subsidiary in which it holds a 60 per cent shareholding, with the rest being owned by state-owned upstream player Oil India Limited (OIL).

The board also approved other related-party transactions, including the sponsoring of a senior loan up to $379.30 million by OVL Overseas IFSC Ltd (OOIL) to Moz LNG1 Financing Company Ltd (MozLNG1) for Area 1 Mozambique Project. OOIL is a wholly owned subsidiary of OVL and MozLNG1 is an associate of ONGC Videsh Rovuma Limited (OVRL), another wholly owned subsidiary of OVL. The company will also extend guarantee support to MozLNG1 against the loan, its regulatory filing said.

Covering 2.6 million acres, the Mozambique Rovuma Area-1 Offshore project will see integrated gas fields development and has estimated recoverable reserves of 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It is a major bet for India given the relative ease of transferring LNG back across the Indian Ocean.

OVL holds a 10 per cent participating interest, while another 6 per cent interest is held through its 60 per cent shareholding in BREML. The Offshore Area 1 is located within the Rovuma Basin, approximately 40 km offshore northern Mozambique. Meanwhile, BPRL Ventures Mozambique BV, an overseas subsidiary of Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BPCL, holds 10 per cent participating interest in the Area 1 concession. OIL holds a 4 per cent interest.

It is being developed by a consortium of French energy major Total SE (26.5 per cent), Mozambique’s national oil company Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH) (15 per cent), Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 (20 per cent), and PTTEP Mozambique Area 1 (8.5 per cent), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand’s national exploration and production company. From India, OVL, BREML, and BPRL Ventures Mozambique together own 30 per cent of the project.

https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/ongc-videsh-clears-rs-1-500-crore-for-mozambique-jv-expects-lng-progress-125032701072_1.html

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India is taking major steps to develop CBM as a key energy source, creating new investment opportunities in the unconventional hydrocarbon sector. The government has been actively working to expand CBM exploration. Through two special bid rounds in 2021 and 2022, seven new CBM blocks were added, bringing the total number to 15 blocks. These new blocks come with a committed investment of $16.64 million for exploration, signaling strong interest from energy companies in India’s CBM reserves. To support CBM development, the government introduced the Policy for Exploration and Exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons.

This policy provides greater operational flexibility to companies and is further strengthened by a Joint Standing Mechanism, which helps resolve any overlaps between coal mining and CBM extraction. These measures aim to ensure smoother operations and faster implementation of CBM projects. In a bid to improve efficiency and output, India is adopting Multi-Lateral Horizontal Well drilling, a cutting-edge technique that is expected to increase CBM production by 30 per cent compared to conventional methods. This innovation will enhance gas extraction efficiency, making CBM production more commercially viable.

At present, India has 15 operational CBM blocks covering 7,009 square kilometres. Among them, five blocks are in the exploration phase, six are in production, two are under development, and two are under Petroleum Exploration License (PEL). The current production rate of CBM stands at 2.2 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD), with a total investment of $2.6 billion made up to March 2024. Cumulative CBM production has reached 7.08 billion cubic meters (BCM) as of February 2025.

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/coal/india-aims-to-boost-coal-bed-methane-production-to-5-mmscmd-by-2027-28/119335895

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Ravikant, who is also the chairman of Rajasthan State Gas Ltd, said that CNG and PNG facilities in Kota will be expanded rapidly, which will benefit people, commercial, and industrial establishments there.

Detailing the plans of RSGL at its board meeting, the company’s managing director, Ranveer Singh said that along with 12 CNG stations in Kota, there is a plan to start new CNG stations.

RSGL is a joint venture company between the state govt and Gail Gas Ltd.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rsgl-to-set-up-compressed-biogas-plant-sales-centre/articleshow/119269863.cms

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Delhi transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has approved the policy in principle and it will now be presented to the cabinet, one of the officials said.

 “The new policy has some bold targets aimed at ensuring EV transition in every vehicle segment. In some categories, we hope that we will be able to achieve 100% new vehicles being registered are EVs in Delhi. We have also developed strategies around how this will be done,” a senior transport official, not wishing to be named, said.

Registration of petrol, diesel or CNG-run two-wheelers will not be allowed from August 2026, said the policy, a copy of which was accessed by HT.

For the three-wheeler segment, all CNG autorickshaws over 10 years old will be mandatorily replaced or retrofitted with electric autorickshaws during the policy period.

Experts called the move “progressive” and said the move could catalyse the transition to electric vehicles in a city where internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are among the biggest domestic sources of pollution.

“According to the proposed policy, no CNG autorickshaw or three-wheeler goods carrier registration will be allowed after August 2025 and no CNG auto permits will be renewed from August 2025. All such permits will be substituted or reissued as only e-auto permits,” a second official familiar with the policy said.

The policy also proposes to mandate all garbage collection vehicles used by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and other civic agencies to be transitioned to EVs in a phased manner and achieve 100% electric fleet by 2027.

According to the proposal, over 13,200 charging stations will be set up across the city, ensuring a station every five kilometres.

While the previous policy proposed setting up 48,000 charging points by 2026, only 10% has been achieved.

To be sure, one charging station can have multiple charging points.

Officials said that the policy is chiefly aimed at ensuring that 95% of new vehicles registered in Delhi will be electric by 2027, and 98% by 2030. The previous policy aimed at ensuring 25% new registrations by 2024, but only reached 13-14%.

They said that the old policy was supposed to be revised in 2023 and that they may choose to revise it by 2027, depending on achievements.

Officials said the four key objectives of the policy are to combat air pollution and improve public health, create livelihood opportunities in the EV ecosystem, enhance energy security and grid resilience, and ensure equitable and affordable EV transition.

Transport officials said that the government is steadily increasing the e-bus fleet in Delhi and more buses have been procured that will increase the fleet to around 3,000 by the year-end. Further, it has also been made mandatory for the government to only procure electric vehicles.

According to information shared by the transport department and ministry of road transport and highways, 9.77 two-wheelers have been registered in Delhi in all, with 7,552, 34,581, 37,477 and 31,339 electric two-wheelers registered from 2021 to 2024, respectively.

Experts said a strong policy push was the need of the hour as Delhi has outrun the benefits it could achieve by transitioning to CNG vehicles.

 “The Delhi government’s new electric vehicles policy is arguably the most progressive state-level plan for transition. The ban on ICE (internal combustion engine) two-wheeler registrations beyond August 15, 2026, could set a strong precedent for the country. However, a similar phase-out plan for internal combustion engine cars is missing which needs to be considered on a priority,” said Amit Bhatt, managing director (India), International Council of Clean Transport (ICCT).

Bhatt added that in the two-wheeler segment, demand can easily be met—similar to Delhi’s CNG bus transition over two decades ago. At the time, no manufacturers produced CNG buses until court mandates were enforced, but the demand was quickly met by multiple manufacturers. He emphasised that systematic policy implementation can ensure targets are achievable and realistic.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/3rd-private-car-must-be-ev-delhi-govt-proposal-101742061931470.html

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A prototype of the bus, which uses green hydrogen—the ‘future fuel’—was displayed at the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit held in Kochi on March 12 and 13. The state’s first green hydrogen plant and fuelling station is already under construction near the airport in Nedumbassery.

 “CIAL plans to deploy the bus as soon as the plant is commissioned. Currently, 70% of the work is over. A few more pieces of equipment need to be installed. We expect the facility to be ready in a month or two,” a BPCL official told TNIE.

The bus, which uses hydrogen fuel cells developed by Pune-based firm KPIT Ltd, will be either deployed within the airport or used for providing short-distance airport connectivity. Authorities will soon initiate the registration process. The green hydrogen plant is being set up at an estimated Rs 25 crore.

Its initial output will be used to power vehicles within the airport, starting with the hydrogen bus. Under the agreement, BPCL will oversee the establishment of the integrated plant and fuelling stations, providing technology and managing the operation.

This collaborative effort will result in the world’s first green hydrogen plant and fuelling station located close to an airport setting. Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources, is recognised as a future fuel and aligns with zero-carbon energy strategies.

Plan to set up jet fuel manufacturing unit on airport premises

CIAL, renowned for its effective deployment of green energy through big solar plants and a hydel station, now has a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW. Ever since the installation of the first solar plant, with a capacity of 12 MW, the airport has been augmenting its capabilities and now inked an MoU for a strategic collaboration with BPCL for setting up a 1,000 KW pilot project on the airport premises.

There are also plans to set up a jet fuel-manufacturing unit within the CIAL premises, also in partnership with BPCL.

The BPCL official said CIAL has submitted the proposal for building a synthetic aviation fuel unit. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, can significantly contribute to decarbonising the aviation sector. The government aims to announce ‘net zero-carbon Kerala’ by 2050, and various campaigns towards the goal have been initiated in various sectors, including agriculture and road transportation.

Central pilot projects

As part of its National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Union government has initiated five pilot projects on hydrogen-fuelled buses, trucks and refuelling stations. A total of 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine-based vehicles will be run on 10 routes across the country for trial. Two routes in Kerala have been selected for the trial – Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi and Kochi-Edappally. The projects are likely to be commissioned in the next 18 to 24 months, paving the way for the scaling up of such technologies in the country.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Mar/17/bpcl-cial-at-the-wheel-of-keralas-first-hydrogen-fuelled-bus

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“As of now, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet has 2,400 CNG buses and 1,700 electric buses. The transport minister held a meeting regarding the old buses, which are about to reach the end of life,” a senior department official said.

The department is working on the induction of 1,000 electric buses by March end, he added.

After taking charge as transport minister last month, Singh had said 50 per cent of the DTC’s fleet of CNG buses had been phased out and the remainder would be out of service in the next few months.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa earlier said that nearly 90 per cent of CNG buses in Delhi would be phased out by December

and replaced by electric buses as part of the government’s push towards a cleaner and more sustainable public transport.

The old fleet of DTC’s low-floor buses were purchased during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. These buses had a life span of 12 years or 7.5 lakh kilometres, whichever was achieved earlier.

Due to slow procurement, Delhi extended bus service life to 15 years in 2021, ending on March 31. Officials estimate the city needs 11,000 buses.

Minister Singh previously stated that Delhi would reach this target within the next one-and-a-half years.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/delhi-speeds-up-shift-from-cng-to-e-buses-602758

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An official statement said a 1-Megawatt (MW) electrolyser has been manufactured by L&T for this project which will subsequently be scaled up to 10 MW capacity.

 “The Green Hydrogen Plant is targeted to be fully operational by July 2025, with an estimated production capacity of 18 kg of Green Hydrogen per hour, translating to approximately 80-90 tonnes per year,” the statement said while adding that site work is already completed at Kandla and the electrolysers will soon be assembled on-site to kickstart operations.

The Green Hydrogen produced by the facility will be utilized to generate clean energy through Fuel Cells, paving the way for self-sustaining and eco-friendly power solutions at the port.

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla also plans to integrate Green Ammonia production by incorporating the necessary modules into the plant.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/kandla-port-to-start-green-hydrogen-manufacturing-in-june-2025/articleshow/119160785.cms?from=mdr

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The minister said that approximately 2,000 cluster and 3,000 DTC buses would be phased out this year. Electric buses would take their place on the road. The DTC fleet has 1,231 AC CNG buses, 1,878 non-AC CNG buses, and 1,250 electric low-floor buses. Similarly, under the cluster bus service, there are 750 AC CNG buses, 1,997 non-AC CNG buses, and 379 electric buses.

Among the new buses that would be purchased are both twelve-metre and nine-metre buses. Singh said that the tender process and other formalities were over. ‘You will start seeing the new buses in a week,’ he said. ‘I want to assure you that the people of Delhi will not have any problem,’ he said.

Officials in the transport department said that one of the main reasons behind the breakdown, which increased during summers due to heat, is that most of the CNG buses are overaged. Singh said that no extension would be given to buses when they reach end of life. ‘Only electric buses would be procured now,’ he said.

In 2018, govt told the top court that the required number of buses in the city is 11,000. Since then, the population has only gone up. Sources in the transport department said that it was going to be an uphill task for the govt to ensure that CNG buses are replaced with electric ones as e-buses take time in getting manufactured and then there are various tests these have to go through.

Second, while the companies want to sell buses, they are hesitant when it comes to annual maintenance contracts as they know that govt buses are used in rough conditions and have a higher wear and tear rate, he said. Singh, however, said that he has held meetings with manufacturers and operators and directed that the supply of buses be ensured as soon as possible.

He said that he has listened to the challenges faced by electric bus manufacturers and operators and assured them of all possible govt assistance. stating that the supply of buses should be expedited. The govt has set a target having fully electric buses by 2027, he said.

To reduce traffic jams and improve passenger convenience, DTC will work on route rationalisation, which will increase the availability of buses in high-density areas. The data shows that DTC recorded a daily average ridership of 25.99 lakh in 2023-24, while the cluster buses had a lower daily average ridership of 16.44 lakh in 2023-2024.

https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/commercial-vehicle/delhi-to-roll-out-900-electric-buses-as-5000-cng-buses-retire/119199705

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The MoU was signed by Shri Ranjan Nair, Business Head – Renewable Energy at BPCL, and Shri Ravi Pandit, Chairman of KPIT Technologies, in the presence of notable figures including Shri K R Jyothilal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Kerala, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS, Former Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, Dr. Bharat L. Newalkar, CGM (R&D), Shri D. D. Sarkar, Project Head (Renewable Energy), along with senior officials from both the Kerala State Government and the Central Government.

Promoting Indigenous Hydrogen Technology for Clean Mobility

This collaboration supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating homegrown technologies for a strong hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to deploy a locally developed alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, and KPIT Technologies will contribute an indigenously designed fuel cell-powered bus.

After the MoU was signed, senior government officials were able to experience Kerala’s inaugural hydrogen-powered bus, marking a significant achievement in transitioning to hydrogen as a viable clean fuel for public transport.

Pilot Project to Yield Essential Real-World Insights

The project seeks to gather crucial data on the performance of fuel cell buses in Kerala’s varying climatic conditions, which include high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rainfall. This information will enhance the reliability of fuel cell technology and support future extensive deployment of hydrogen-powered transportation.

BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will create high-purity (>99.99%) green hydrogen for the buses, ensuring a sustainable energy source. BPCL will also gain practical experience in hydrogen dispensing, which will help develop a robust hydrogen mobility framework in India.

A Move Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow

Commenting on the partnership, Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said,

Hydrogen-powered mobility is the future of sustainable transportation.

 “Through this partnership, we are taking significant strides towards building a hydrogen ecosystem in India, providing clean, efficient, and locally developed solutions for public transport.”

This initiative will assess the operational reliability and durability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, evaluate the feasibility of fleet operations with passengers, and facilitate the wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across India.

With this collaboration, BPCL further reaffirms its commitment to green energy solutions, contributing to India’s overarching goal of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

BPCL Partners with KPIT Technologies to Enhance Hydrogen-Based Mobility in Kerala, source

https://hydrogen-central.com/bpcl-partners-with-kpit-technologies-to-enhance-hydrogen-based-mobility-in-kerala/

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In addition to this initiative, a government delegation will travel to Germany later this month to finalize a lease agreement for another regasification unit.

Egypt is also preparing to sign an agreement with Cyprus to lease an FSRU that will be stationed in the country to help meet peak energy demand during the summer.

The government is further expanding its regasification capacity in the Red Sea and Ain Sokhna.

Currently, two regasification vessels are docked in the Red Sea, and plans are in place to bring a third unit to Ain Sokhna by June 2025.

Additionally, a fourth unit from Turkey is expected to be operational this summer, reinforcing Egypt’s energy security strategy and boosting its LNG infrastructure.

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/3/139067/Egypt-expands-LNG-infrastructure-with-new-regasification-agreements

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Roman Chumak, Acting Chairman of the Board at Naftogaz of Ukraine, said, “Stable gas supplies remain our top priority. Cooperation with Orlen expands Ukraine’s LNG import capacity and enhances energy security. We are diversifying supply sources to ensure a reliable and accessible gas supply, especially amid ongoing Russian attacks on our infrastructure.”

The gas will be transported to Ukraine and used to create strategic gas reserves, which are crucial for building supplies for the country’s next heating season.

Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO and President of the Orlen Management Board, said it would continue to develop its trading expertise and leverage experience in the US market, which enables it to provide attractive commercial terms to partners.

 “At the same time, we are proud to contribute to Ukraine’s energy diversification, reinforcing our neighbour’s energy security,” he said.

Yesterday Ebba Busch, who is Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Business, and Industry, and Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in energy and green transition efforts in Brussels.

The agreement focuses on expanding collaboration in nuclear energy, energy security, and advancing the industrial green transition. Sweden has extensive experience in integrating renewables into its grid.

https://www.gasworld.com/story/ukraines-naftogaz-buys-100-million-cbm-more-lng-from-orlen/2153160.article/

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Ireland’s planning body An Bord Pleanála has granted permission to controversial group Shannon LNG to develop a power plant in County Kerry. The planning permit covers the construction of three 30-foot-high turbine structures, each containing a 200 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), as well as a 120 MW BESS and several ancillary developments.

The proposed power plant will generate electricity for its own needs and as well as for export to the national grid via a 220 kV connection. It will be located in County Kerry, on land that is currently predominantly in agricultural use.

LNG controversy

Shannon LNG is a subsidiary of United States-based New Frontier Energy. Separately, Shannon LNG is planning a liquid natural gas pipeline in Ireland, which is facing strong opposition from climate groups who have expressed concerns about its impact on Ireland’s climate targets and local environment.

It is not clear yet if the proposed plant will be powered by the proposed LNG facility. However, several campaigners have spoken against the decision to greenlight the Kerry power plant, citing concerns over LNG and pollution.

Ciarán Ahern, the climate and energy spokesperson for government opposition party, Labour, said the approval “completely flies in the face” of Ireland’s climate goals.

 “The doors are being opened for the further importation of highly polluting fracked gas. This cannot be allowed to proceed,” he said, appealing directly to the government to intervene.

He accused the government of rolling back on previous assurances Ireland would not import fracked gas.

The government has already proposed a floating LNG terminal to be used as an emergency reserve. Ahern said the construction of a permanent plant with no defined lifespan is “10 times worse” than the other proposal.

He called for more focus on developing Ireland’s existing renewable energy capacity instead of working with for-profit US energy firms.

Energy security

Proponents of LNG development and gas power plants argue such projects will create jobs and strengthen Irish energy security.

An Bord Pleanála previously refused planning permission for the power plant project, but the decision was later challenged by Shannon LNG and a review was ordered by the High Court. The judge said the planning authority had not considered that the absence of a major storage facility for natural gas was a risk for security of electricity supply.

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, welcomed the authority’s decision to grant permission.

 “I’ve been working with my friends in Shannon LNG for a good number of years. It has been frustration after frustration, but thankfully today there was good news,” he said, adding the plant would be important meet Ireland’s energy security needs, while the battery storage “will ensure that renewable energy we generate can be stored and utilized.”

In its decision, An Bord Pleanála said the addition of BESS would help mitigate the increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by the operation of the power plant. It included detailed plans on how to mitigate environmental disruption and conserving the area and natural habitat.

The BESS plan comprises 27 lithium-ion battery containers, approximately 4.5MWh each, and ancillary power conversion system (PCS) skids, as well as a step-up transformer and sound retention wall.

It said the operation use of the proposed development will expire on Dec. 31, 2050, unless a subsequent planning permission to continue operating has been secured.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/03/24/shannon-lng-gets-go-ahead-for-600-mw-gas-plant-plus-120-mw-bess-in-ireland/

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Argentina’s first LNG tender last year resulted in the import of 10 cargoes, out of a total of 30 that year.

Argentina has not requested an additional floating regasification plant for this winter, an executive from Excelerate Energy, which has the only import facility in the South American country, told Reuters on Wednesday on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in Houston.

The number of LNG shipments “is going to be less than last year because there will be more natural gas availability, assuming comparable weather,” Daniel Gonzalez, secretary of Energy and Mining Coordination, told reporters at the conference.

Argentina has been boosting production in its Vaca Muerta formation, the world’s second-largest unconventional gas reserve and fourth-largest oil reserve, which is reaching a new monthly record, as the country aims to reduce energy imports.

In 2024, the country recorded its largest energy trade surplus in 18 years, reaching $5.67 billion, after years of trade deficits that strained its finances.

https://pgjonline.com/news/2025/march/argentina-to-tender-for-lng-cargoes-next-week-to-meet-winter-demand

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The RPGCL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas, and Mineral Corporation, or Petrobangla, looks into LNG trades in Bangladesh.

The volume of the spot LNG cargoes will be around 3.36 million MMBtu each.

Bangladesh bought four spot LNG cargoes for March delivery windows, which is the highest purchase of LNG from the spot market in a month.

Riding on high volume of LNG imports, Bangladesh’s LNG re-gasification reached the highest level ever at 1,022 million cubic feet per day last week, according to official data of Petrobangla.

The previous highest RLNG was recorded on April 20, 2024 when the country re-gasified around 1,005 mmcfd during the heat wave in last summer. The RPGCL might continue buying high volumes of spot LNG cargoes for the next several months to meet the summer demand.

Bangladesh previously awarded its latest spot LNG cargo tender to TotalEnergies Gas and Power Ltd for April 12-13 delivery window at US$14.22 per million British thermal unit (MMBtu).

Apart from spot LNG cargoes Bangladesh has been importing LNG from its two existing long term LNG suppliers – Qatargas and OQ Trading International – for re-gasification in its two operational FSRUs.

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/revouge-ujjwala-foundation-stand-by-cancer-patients

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 “The 500th LNG transfer operation is an important achievement not only for the Klaipeda LNG terminal, but also for the energy security of the entire region. This is the result of the joint efforts of all parties involved – the KN Energies team, which has been effectively planning and executing operations for a decade, the technical operator of the FSRU Independence, Hoegh LNG Klaipeda, and our terminal clients, including one of the largest, Ignitis. For 10 years, the terminal has ensured a stable gas supply to the region, with zero safety incidents recorded during this period. I extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed and will continue to contribute to this success story and the adherence to the highest operational standards,” said Mindaugas Navikas, Chief Commercial Officer of KN Energies.

Out of the 500 transfer operations, more than 100 were related to Ignitis activities. Symbolically, Ignitis was the client for both the first LNG cargo, which arrived in October 2014, and the 500th cargo delivered to Klaipeda on 15 March 2025.

 “A reliable partnership is especially important for our business, and we have been successfully nurturing it for many years with our strategic partner, KN Energies. This collaboration ensures a stable and efficient supply of LNG, allowing us to promptly respond to market changes and client needs. The terminal is a strategic link to the global market, enabling us to supply natural gas from any country in the world, thus ensuring supply flexibility and competitiveness,” added Arturas Bortkevicius, CEO of Ignitis.

So far in 2025, 24 LNG transfer operations have been carried out in Klaipeda, with a total of 83 in 2024. Since the terminal’s launch in October 2014, approximately 205 TWh of LNG have been transferred. The majority originated from Norway (52%) and the US (37%), but Klaipeda has also received LNG from countries like Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Algeria, and others. The terminal serves clients from five countries – Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Norway, and Estonia.

The Klaipeda LNG terminal, consisting of the FSRU Independence, a jetty, and a connecting gas pipeline, was the first terminal of its kind in the Baltic region and across Northern Europe, and the second in Europe overall. In December 2024, KN Energies assumed ownership of the FSRU Independence, which was registered under the Lithuanian flag in the Register of Seagoing Ships of the Republic of Lithuania. The Law on Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal of the Republic of Lithuania mandates ensuring the terminal operations until 31 December 2044.

https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/26032025/klaipda-lng-terminal-completes-500-lng-transfer-operations/

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