Pradhan said that the country is moving towards the gas-based economy, and it is working to increase the share of gas in the country's energy basket from the present 6.5%. Complimenting the efforts of all the stakeholders in joining hands for promoting the use of natural gas, he said the Government has taken initiatives and policy reforms throughout the Gas chain.

The Minister said that besides the move to enhance gas production, the Government is promoting nationwide gas grid and setting up gas infrastructure. He said that GAIL has already finished the tendering process for gas grid and actual process of laying pipelines will begin soon.

Pradhan said the Government is going to take steps to harness synthetic gas from Coal Bed Methane, and also promoting Bio-CNG and Bio-PNG. 3 New LNG terminals are also coming up. India has entered into long term contracts and acquired assets abroad to ensure unhindered supply of gas at reasonable prices.

The minister said the Government has given highest priority to PNG. In this regard, he also held meeting with Senior Officers and representatives from 20 big cities today in New Delhi.

The Minister said that the government is open to suggestions in this regard and will adopt good new business models. In the meeting he emphasised that PNG should be taken in mission mode so that environment and health friendly fuel is available to people at the earliest. The issues of road cutting fee, Uniform Tax for PNG, provisioning of PNG infrastructure for upcoming Smart cities were discussed.

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