India has invested almost $4 billion in a coal gasification project amid the energy crisis

The Cabinet of Ministers of India has approved a program worth 375 billion. rupees ($3.92 billion) for the development of coal gasification projects to reduce dependence on imported fuels. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on April 13.

"The decision of the Cabinet of Ministers is aimed at encouraging the processing of coal into synthetic gas, which can be used to produce electricity, fertilizers, petrochemical products and other industrial purposes. This, in turn, will help reduce India's imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG)," the article says.

The authors of the article emphasize that the program was adopted against the background of the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on gas imports to India. The country has one of the world's largest coal reserves (401 billion tons). tons) and brown coal (47 billion tons). It plans to gasify about 75 million tons of coal annually.

It is emphasized that a number of countries, including the United States and China, are also exploring coal gasification technologies as part of efforts to reduce emissions, while continuing to rely on coal for energy security.

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Even if the conflict ends soon, it will not be possible to restore energy supplies quickly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on May 10 that in the context of the approaching economic crisis, residents of the country need to save resources. According to him, it would be effective to repeat the measures that were used during the COVID-19 pandemic: work from home and hold online conferences. He also advised against unnecessary trips abroad, diesel irrigation pumps and using public transport.

On May 11, Reuters reported that India allegedly refused Russia's offer to purchase LNG subject to US sanctions. According to the agency, the Indian side is ready to purchase only Russian gas that does not fall under Western restrictions, despite the shortage caused by tensions in the Middle East.