APRIL 20268INDIA'S GREEN HYDROGEN CAPACITY JUMPS TO 8,000 TONNES PER YEAR IN 2026GOVT MANDATES LPG TO PNG SWITCH AS INDIA FACES GAS SHORTAGEIndia has now commissioned about 8,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen capacity by February 2026 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, pushing the country's clean energy push forward as it aims for deeper decarbonization.Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik told Parliament in a written reply that this progress marks an early but significant step toward India's goal of reaching 5million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.India's green hydrogen journey has been guided by the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023, which India has mandated a nationwide LPG to PNG transfer as rising fuel stress from the West Asia war hits households and businesses hard. Under the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, the government stressed that consumers must switch to PNG (piped natural gas) to ease pressure on LPG supply and cut dependence on imported cylinders.In a daily ministry briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said domestic LPG cylinders remain a priority for homes, and the push for a switch to PNG will help protect cylinder stock for essential seeks to make the nation a global hub for production, usage and export of green hydrogen. So far, the government has allocated INR 700crore to the mission, with INR 250.12crore spent, reflecting early phase momentum in both project implementation and funding.In the competitive bidding under the mission, discovered green hydrogen supply prices for India's major refiners have ranged from INR 387 to INR 397 per kg (including 18percent GST), showing growing commercial interest despite cost pressures. According to a World Bank Group report cited by the minister, renewable power sources like solar and wind make up roughly 50percent70percent (around INR 235 per kg) of the cost to produce green hydrogen, highlighting the importance of lowcost renewable energy in scaling production.Green hydrogen, which is hydrogen produced using renewable energy to split water with minimal carbon emissions, is seen as a key tool to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut hardtoabate industrial emissions. As India expands its renewable base and electrolyzer manufacturing capacity, the country hopes to lower production costs further and attract more investment. The 8,000 tonnes figure highlights tangible gains in 2026 while pointing to the scale of effort needed to reach the 5MMT target by 2030. use. She noted that peak panic bookings of LPG on March 13 have eased but the underlying supply disruption continues.The order focuses on rapid expansion of the PNG gas network. PNG delivers gas directly through pipelines, reducing reliance on delivered LPG cylinders. LPG remains in cylinders delivered to homes and businesses, while PNG means a direct line of supply, lower delivery costs, and steadier availability.The ministry also advised commercial LPG users including restaurants, hotels, and food processors to adopt PNG to free up cylinder supply. Many states have now announced subsidies for consumers who convert from LPG to PNG, encouraging faster adoption.To support vulnerable groups, the government requested states to allocate fivekg FTL cylinders for migrant laborers facing shortages. States have also asked for help in serving subsidized canteens, dhabas, industrial outlets, and community kitchens.Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, PM Modi said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is "worrisome", and the war is affecting India's fuel and trade routes, including petrol, diesel, gas and fertilizers. He highlighted the safety concerns of over one crore Indians in the Gulf and reiterated India's call for deescalation and peace. TOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIES
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