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India Eyes Deep-Sea Gas Pipeline to Oman
14 May
Summary
- India plans a deep-sea gas pipeline from Oman to ensure supply security.
- The project will take an estimated five to seven years to build.
- A deep-sea pipeline offers stable, cost-competitive gas without transit risks.
India is fast-tracking plans for a direct deep-sea gas pipeline from Oman, a significant move to bolster energy security amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This ambitious project, estimated to cost ₹40,000 crore, is projected to take five to seven years to complete. Senior officials indicate that GAIL, Engineers India, and Indian Oil Corp will prepare a detailed feasibility report for the pipeline, which is designed to traverse 2,000 km under the Arabian Sea.
The proposed Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) aims to deliver around 31 mmscmd of natural gas, connecting Oman directly to India's Gujarat coast. This strategic infrastructure would enable India to access gas reserves from Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, regions holding substantial gas reserves. Advances in deep-sea pipe-laying technology have confirmed the project's feasibility, with technical studies supporting its viability.
India's urgent need for such infrastructure is underscored by its significant reliance on LNG imports, with nearly two-thirds transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in this chokepoint have previously led to sharp price spikes and supply volatility, impacting Asian spot LNG prices. Unlike crude oil, India lacks substantial strategic gas reserves, leaving it exposed to market fluctuations and unable to store gas effectively.
