In a significant step towards bolstering domestic demand and decreasing reliance on natural gas imports, the Indian government has declared the phased introduction of blending compressed biogas with natural gas. The mandatory introduction will commence at 1% for use in automobiles and households starting April 2025, with plans to increase the blending percentage to approximately 5% by 2028.
India, a major global importer of oil and gas, currently sources about half of its overall gas consumption from imports and aims to curtail import costs. The government’s strategy aligns with broader sustainability goals, with an additional plan to incorporate 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in aircraft turbine fuel by 2027, doubling to 2% in 2028. Initially applicable to international flights, these SAF targets contribute to the overarching objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
This move is part of a broader initiative to transform the energy landscape and promote cleaner alternatives, showcasing the government’s commitment to environmental responsibility.