Bigger Role for Assam in Energy Security: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri exuded confidence that Assam would play a bigger role in the country’s energy security framework. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma requested the Union Minister to extend his help in the capacity expansion of Bongaigaon Refinery.

Speaking as the chairperson of the session on “Unlocking Assam’s Energy Potential: Building Future-Ready Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment Aligned with Global Energy Transitions” at the concluding day of Advantage Assam 2.0 today, Puri said, “Assam’s role in contributing to India’s energy security and the Government of India’s unprecedented push towards green energy transition under the leadership of the Prime Minister will continue to grow in the future.”

Puri further said, “Assam already accounts for 15 percent of India’s crude oil production and 14 percent of natural gas. We discussed how Assam, with India’s first oil well in Digboi and four state-of-the-art refineries, has been the cradle and ‘sangam’ of many parts of the energy value chain.”

Puri said, “India is planning to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 percent. With a 19.6 blending level already achieved, a NITI Aayog committee is examining further expansion.”

Puri also reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions for fossil fuel companies by 2045, despite developmental challenges.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Assam has played a pioneering role in the forward march of India’s oil industry, which gained momentum in the late 19th century. Assam remains a key player in India’s energy sector, with vast hydrocarbon reserves and a skilled workforce, the Chief Minister added. The state’s oil and gas potential extending to neighbouring regions served as a stimulus for the development of the state. Highlighting Assam’s position in India’s energy map, he said that the state contains 12 percent of the country’s natural gas reserves and produces half of India’s onshore natural gas.

Stating that the horizon for Assam’s hydrocarbon sector is promising, he said that by 2030, crude oil availability is projected to double, and natural gas production is set to increase from 3.2 to 6.3 billion cubic metres (BCM).

The Chief Minister also spoke about developments in BCPL and NRL and the capacity expansion of the refineries that signify Assam’s emergence as a petrochemical hub, fostering both industrial growth and job creation. The Chief Minister said that under the visionary “Hydrocarbon Vision 2030,” Assam is witnessing significant infrastructural advancements. Projects like the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) are connecting Assam to the national gas grid, and the 1,670 km North East Gas Grid (NEGG) is promoting regional connectivity, ensuring seamless energy distribution. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network is expanding rapidly, with 22 CNG stations across the state, promoting clean energy adoption among citizens, he added.

Chief Minister Dr. Sarma stated Assam presents a wealth of upstream and downstream investment opportunities. The energy transition space is equally promising, with avenues in green hydrogen, green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuels, compressed biogas, and smart chemicals.

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