“Impact of West Asia Conflict on Gas Supply: Reflecting on Indias Unconstructed Gas Grid”

Indias National Coal Gasification Mission aims to enhance the countrys energy independence by leveraging its abundant coal resources. This initiative draws parallels to a forward-thinking proposal made by Syed Husain Zaheer in 1955, which envisioned the establishment of a national gas grid. At the time, Zaheers proposal did not gain traction among policymakers and was largely overlooked.

However, the significance of his vision became apparent during the 1973 oil crisis, which underscored the vulnerabilities of relying predominantly on imported oil for energy needs. The crisis highlighted the importance of diversifying energy sources and increasing domestic production capabilities.

The National Coal Gasification Mission seeks to convert coal, which constitutes a substantial portion of Indias energy mix, into synthetic natural gas, thereby reducing dependency on foreign energy supplies. This initiative aligns with Indias broader goal of achieving energy security and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, as the nation strives to balance its developmental needs with environmental concerns. With coal gasification, India can potentially enhance its energy resilience, create jobs, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.