The Government of India launched the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016, introducing the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under it. So far, 172 exploration blocks covering 3,78,652 sq. km have been awarded to successful bidders in OALP Rounds I to IX. In addition, OALP Round X, offering 25 exploration blocks spanning 1,91,986.21 sq. km, was launched on 15 April 2025.
India currently has eight Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals with a total capacity of 52.7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). In terms of retail infrastructure, 13 LNG retail stations have been commissioned by state-owned oil and gas companies, and 16 privately-owned LNG retail stations are operational.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorised the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in 307 geographical areas, covering nearly 100% of India’s mainland (excluding islands). As of 31 May 2025, CGD entities have provided 1.50 crore domestic PNG connections and commissioned 8,083 CNG stations nationwide.
In the clean energy domain, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, aims to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production, usage, and exports, targeting 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum by 2030.
The National Policy on Biofuels 2018, amended in 2022, advanced the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. During the ongoing ESY 2025-26, public sector oil marketing companies have achieved an average ethanol blending rate of 18.93% as of 30 June 2025.
Additionally, the Government launched the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative on 1 October 2018 to promote Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) production from waste and biomass sources and encourage its blending with natural gas for cleaner transportation solutions.
