RasGas CEO advocates replacing coal with LNG in India

During a conference in New Delhi, RasGas CEO Hamad Mubarak Al Muhannadi stressed that using LNG as an alternative to coal would result in both immediate and long-term benefits for public health and the environment. 

“Those native to New Delhi are aware of the impact of coal and diesel particulates in the air, and while it is true that coal is cheap, the price paid in terms of pollution and health is unacceptable,” Al Muhannadi said.

He expressed support of India’s government efforts to grow the use of LNG in India, which is considered the world’s fastest growing economy.

“In 2016, India will become the second largest buyer of spot and short-term LNG cargoes in addition to being the world’s fourth largest importer overall,” he continued.

The Qatari company signed its first LNG sales and purchase agreement with India’s Petronet in 1999 for the delivery of 7.5 million tons per annum over 25 years, which was the largest SPA ever signed up until then.

Since then, RasGas signed deals with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), and Reliance.