The first LNG cargo, carrying 3.4 TBTU of liquefied natural gas (LNG), under the long term contract between GAIL and Gazprom Marketing & Trading Singapore of Russia recently arrived at LNG terminal of Petronet LNG Ltd, today in Dahej, Gujarat.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for petroleum and natural gas & Minister of skill development and entrepreneurship, said the commencement of LNG imports from Russia has added a new dimension to the Indo-Russian bilateral relations, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He said Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have especially emphasized on energy cooperation between the two countries, which has taken shape of an energy bridge. Today’s arrival of the first LNG cargo from Russia is an example of this growing strategic partnership.

Russia has emerged as a long-term source for India’s hydrocarbon imports. Pradhan said that LNG imports from Russia will go a long way in mitigating the risks arising out of geo-political uncertainties. He mentioned that the government is committed towards transforming India into a gas-based economy. To realize this aspiration, investments are being made for augmenting natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines, LNG import terminals and City Gas Distribution networks.

GAIL has contracted to import 2.5 MMTPA of LNG from Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore’s on a long term basis.