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The energy landscape of India witnessed a pivotal moment at Gas Dialogue 2025, where industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts converged to chart the future trajectory of natural gas in the country’s clean energy transition. Among the distinguished voices was Shri Subhash Kumar, Director General of the Association of CGD Entities (ACE), who played a crucial role in shaping discussions around strengthening gas infrastructure for inclusive growth..
Co-hosted by FSR Global and the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), Gas Dialogue 2025 brought together the brightest minds in India’s energy sector to address a fundamental question: How can natural gas serve as an effective bridge in India’s journey toward a low-carbon future?
The event’s opening remarks by Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of CRF, set a clear tone: “Strategic use of natural gas is vital to India’s low-carbon journey… it is not just a fuel—but a bridge to India’s clean energy future.“
This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, who emphasized the need for agility in India’s energy planning, stating that “India’s energy roadmap must remain agile—natural gas will be pivotal in this journey.”
The dialogue gained momentum with special addresses from key government officials, including Mr. Praveen Khanooja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and Mr. Anjani Kumar Tiwari, Member of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). Both leaders stressed the critical importance of robust reforms in gas trading and price discovery mechanisms to unlock demand, drive competitiveness, and ensure market resilience.
The first panel focused on “Policy Interventions to Boost Gas Adoption,” where industry experts addressed crucial reforms needed to accelerate natural gas uptake across India. Key discussion points included:
GST inclusion for natural gas to create a unified tax structure
CGD licensing reforms to streamline market entry
Incentivizing PNG connections in legacy cities where infrastructure development faces unique challenges
Fast-tracking the national gas grid to ensure nationwide connectivity
The panel featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Dennis Hesseling, Head of Gas at the International Energy Agency (IEA), Mr. Suresh P Manglani, CEO of Adani Total Gas, and Mr. Rajesh K Mediratta, MD of Indian Gas Exchange (IGX). The session was expertly moderated by Mr. Gurpreet Chugh, CFA, VP at ICF.
The second panel, “Strengthening Gas Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,” proved to be a cornerstone of the event, with Shri Subhash Kumar bringing his extensive expertise as Director General of ACE to the forefront of the discussion.
As India’s city gas distribution (CGD) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) ecosystem continues its ambitious expansion, Shri Subhash Kumar and fellow panelists identified several critical challenges that require immediate attention:
Mission-Mode Implementation: Drawing parallels with India’s successful LPG penetration story, the panel emphasized the need for a coordinated, mission-driven approach to gas infrastructure development.
Investor Confidence: Creating a stable regulatory environment that encourages long-term investment in gas infrastructure.
Pricing Benchmarks: Establishing transparent and stable pricing mechanisms that benefit both suppliers and consumers.
Streamlined Clearances: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate project implementation timelines.
The Gas Dialogue 2025 reinforced the critical role that natural gas will play in India’s energy transition over the coming decades. As the country works toward its ambitious climate goals while meeting growing energy demands, the insights shared by leaders like Shri Subhash Kumar become increasingly valuable.
The Association of CGD Entities, under his guidance, remains committed to supporting India’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Through continued collaboration with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry partners, ACE will play a pivotal role in ensuring that natural gas infrastructure development remains inclusive, efficient, and aligned with national energy security objectives.
As India maps its demand trajectory for natural gas, events like Gas Dialogue 2025 serve as crucial platforms for aligning stakeholder interests and charting a coordinated path forward. The leadership demonstrated by Shri Subhash Kumar and other industry veterans ensures that India’s gas vision will translate into tangible benefits for millions of consumers across the country.
For more insights on India’s evolving energy landscape and ACE’s role in shaping the future of city gas distribution, stay connected with our latest updates and industry developments.