GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state is set to witness a significant boost in its oil and gas sector, with crude oil availability projected to double and natural gas production expected to rise from 3.2 to 6.3 billion cubic meters (BCM) by 2030.
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Speaking at a thematic session on "Unlocking Assam’s Energy Potential: Building Future-Ready Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment Aligned with Global Energy Transitions" at Advantage Assam 2.0, he talked about Assam’s pivotal role in India's energy landscape.
Addressing the session in the presence of Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, the Chief Minister focussed on Assam’s rich hydrocarbon reserves, which include 12% of India’s natural gas reserves and half of the country’s onshore natural gas production. He noted that Assam has four operational refineries with a combined refining capacity of 7.45 million metric tonnes (MMT), ensuring a steady supply of energy for the nation.
Under the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, Assam is undergoing major energy infrastructure advancements, including the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) linking Assam to the national gas grid and the 1,670 km North East Gas Grid (NEGG) enhancing regional connectivity. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network is also expanding, with 22 CNG stations promoting clean energy adoption.
Sarma further highlighted Assam’s emergence as a petrochemical hub with major developments in Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). He urged Union Minister Puri to support the expansion of Bongaigaon Refinery.
Additionally, Assam is making strides in green energy, with Oil India Limited (OIL) commissioning India’s first Green Hydrogen plant in Jorhat, producing 10 kg per day using solar power. Collaborations with IIT Guwahati aim to integrate green hydrogen into transportation and industry.
A panel discussion featuring industry leaders and experts explored Assam’s evolving position in India’s energy roadmap, technological innovations, and investment opportunities.
On the sidelines of the session, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated several CNG retail projects in Kokrajhar and Amguri.
