Future-proofing gas sector

Efficient, transparent, and prompt access to transport capacity is essential for fostering competition and unlocking its full potential

- RAJEEV MATHUR

A well-developed gas transmission infrastructure is a fundamental pillar of a competitive gas market. As a natural monopoly, the transmission network requires strong, neutral, and non-discriminatory access frameworks to ensure fair market participation. Efficient, transparent, and prompt access to transport capacity—without compromising the security of the gas grid—is essential for fostering competition and unlocking the full potential of India's gas sector.

India's gas market holds immense potential to support its energy transition, particularly as efforts intensify to integrate cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. However, inefficiencies in transportation capacity allocation and access mechanisms have constrained market growth. Key challenges such as outdated regulatory frameworks, the consolidation of marketing and transportation functions, and a lack of transparency, necessitate urgent reform. Addressing these is critical to ensuring an open, competitive, and efficient market that can dynamically respond to the evolving energy landscape.