India's Strategic Shift: Coal Gasification Amid Global Supply Chain Disruptions

As geopolitical tensions in West Asia reshape global energy and commodity supply chains, India is doubling down on coal gasification to fortify its economic resilience. Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt highlighted this strategic focus during a roadshow aimed at promoting Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification.

Dutt emphasized that the disruption has exposed India's vulnerabilities due to heavy import dependence, with the previous year's import bill for substitutable products like natural gas and ammonia reaching Rs 2.77 lakh crore. The conflict-triggered price surges have further stressed the need for robust domestic energy capabilities.

By transforming domestic coal into critical products such as ammonia and methanol, coal gasification offers a path to reduce reliance on imports. India's initiative is part of a broader vision for industrial self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat, with government schemes poised to support innovative projects in this sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)