The use of Natural gas as an important primary energy source is rising and expected to increase further. Identify the various uses of natural gas and give a brief account of its distribution globally.

The natural gas is a clean fossil fuel and forms important constituent of India’s energy basket.

Uses of natural gas:

• As fuel for power generation.
• As fuel for industries, such as fertilizers, plastics, etc.
• Usage in households as LNG in place of LPG.
• Usage in vehicles as CNG.
• Ingredients in dyes and many other chemical industries.

Distribution of natural gas globally:

• Russia – largest natural gas reserve, gas fields in west Siberia.
• United States – largest producer of natural gas.
• Canada and Mexico – important producers.
• Middle East – many natural gas and oil reserves are located simultaneously. Iran and Qatar are important producers.
• Africa – not significantly explored, but huge potential.
• Asia – India has gas reserves in west coast and on east coast (Krishna-Godavari basin).
• South East Asia is an important producer.

Natural gas is more evenly distributed than other fossil fuels and hence has immense potential to be fuel of future. There is a need to increase exploration and make natural gas production even higher to make India a gas based economy similar to other developed economy.

Topics: GS-I: Distribution of Key Natural Resources Across the World • GS-III: Infrastructure Energy Sector