ONGC is considering a pilot project that could lead to India’s first strategic natural gas reserve, as policymakers and energy companies assess the risks created by the war in West Asia. The move reflects growing concern that geopolitical shocks can quickly disrupt global fuel flows and expose import-dependent markets to supply stress and price swings.
According to the available details, the idea under review is to begin with a feasibility survey rather than move directly to a full-scale reserve. One option being examined is to create storage in a depleted gas field, which could offer a practical starting point because such sites are already suited to handling gas.
A strategic natural gas reserve would be designed to provide a buffer during emergencies, helping the country manage temporary shortages or market disruptions. Similar to strategic stockpiles in other energy segments, a gas reserve could improve energy security by giving India added flexibility when international supplies are affected by conflict or other crises.
The reported planning remains at an early stage, with attention focused on technical and commercial viability. Even so, the proposal signals a broader shift in India’s energy planning, as authorities and state-run companies look for ways to strengthen resilience against external supply shocks.
