"Energy security is very important; We welcome whatever support we can get": MEA on gas shipment from Norway
New Delhi, May 29
Energy security remains a key priority for India amid global concern over energy supply due to conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said, adding that the country is actively diversifying its energy sources and welcoming cooperation from global partners, including Norway.
Responding to a query on gas shipments expected from Norway, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's approach is focused on strengthening energy security through diversified imports.
"Energy security is very important for us. We are trying to diversify our sources from across the world. That is our policy right now, and we welcome whatever support we can get from various markets across the world," Jaiswal said during the weekly press briefing.
The remarks come in the backdrop of the first LNG cargo delivered to Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) under a long-term agreement with Equinor, a Norwegian multinational energy company.
The shipment, sourced from Norway's Hammerfest LNG facility, marks the beginning of a long-term energy partnership and is seen as a step towards strengthening reliable LNG supply chains for the Indian industry.
This development aligns with broader trade cooperation under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), following its ratification last year.
Earlier in February 2024, Equinor and the Indian fertiliser and petrochemical company DFPCL signed a 15-year agreement for supplies of LNG with deliveries starting in 2026.
Equinor's LNG portfolio is primarily built on output from its Hammerfest LNG facility in Norway, along with additional supplies sourced largely from the United States.
This portfolio serves as the main source of supply for DFPCL, which will utilise the gas primarily as a feedstock for ammonia production at its newly commissioned fertiliser and petrochemical plant.
The agreement provides for an annual supply of approximately 0.65 million tonnes (about 9 TWh) of LNG over a 15-year period.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting move. But I hope this doesn't mean we are becoming too dependent on Western nations for energy. What about boosting our own renewable energy like solar and wind? We have so much potential there. Just a thought.
Smart diplomacy by India. This long-term deal secures supply for crucial fertilizer production, which is vital for food security. It's a win-win for both economies. Looking forward to more such partnerships.
One thing I appreciate about current govt is proactive energy strategy. From Gulf to US to now Norway—good diversification. And using LNG for domestic fertilizer means less import burden on farmers. Well played!
Does anyone know how this impacts pricing for common people? Will it lower cooking gas or petrol costs? Global prices are still high, so hope this actually translates to cheaper energy in our homes.
Good to see India becoming a global energy player. But we must also push harder for nuclear and hydro power. Norway is great, but we can't forget that domestic production is the real key to energy independence.
As an expat in India, I'm impressed by this long-term vision. The fertilizer angle is smart—it supports farmers and reduces import bills. Hopefully this model extends to other sectors
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