Natural gas is an important clean energy resource found in association with or without petroleum. It is used as a source of energy as well as an industrial raw material in the petrochemical industry. Natural gas is considered an environment friendly fuel because of low carbon dioxide emissions and is, therefore, the fuel for the present century. Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered in the Krishna- Godavari basin. , reserves of the Mumbai High and allied fields , in theGulf of Cambay. ,Andaman and Nicobar islands. All these are thoroughly exploited.

The estimated reserves of natural gas in India as on 31 March 2018 was 1,339.57 billion cubic meters (BCM), increasing by 3.87% from the previous year. The largest reserves of natural gas are located in the Eastern Offshore (38.13%) and the Western Offshore (23.33%).


The major producers of natural gas in India are Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. ... The areas which are high in natural gas availability in India are mostly the Western offshore area. However, the other major production areas for natural gas are the on-shore fields in Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat States.

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1. Russia:
- Russia is one of the largest producers and exporters of natural gas in the world. It has significant reserves of natural gas located primarily in Western Siberia, the Yamal Peninsula, and the Arctic region.
- The country's natural gas reserves are estimated to be around 48 trillion cubic meters, making it the world's largest natural gas reserve holder.
- Russia's natural gas production and export play a crucial role in its economy, contributing to a significant portion of its revenue.

2. United States:
- The United States has experienced a significant increase in natural gas production in recent years due to the development of unconventional resources, such as shale gas.
- The Marcellus Shale, located in the Appalachian Basin, is one of the largest natural gas reserves in the United States. Other significant reserves include the Barnett Shale in Texas and the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana.
- The abundance of natural gas reserves in the United States has led to a shift in energy consumption patterns, with natural gas becoming an increasingly important source of energy for electricity generation, industrial processes, and residential heating.

Why is natural gas called the fuel for the present century?
Natural gas is often referred to as the fuel for the present century due to several reasons:

1. Cleaner and Lower Carbon Emissions: Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil. When combusted, it produces fewer carbon emissions, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This characteristic makes it a transitional fuel in the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

2. Abundance and Availability: Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered globally, ensuring a steady supply for the foreseeable future. This abundance has made natural gas affordable and accessible for various industries and consumers.

3. Versatility and Flexibility: Natural gas is a versatile fuel that can be used for various purposes. It is used extensively for electricity generation, heating, cooking, and as a feedstock for the production of chemicals, fertilizers, and other industrial processes. Its flexibility allows for easy integration into existing energy infrastructure.

4. Reliability and Energy Security: Natural gas is relatively abundant and widely distributed, reducing dependence on limited oil reserves. Countries with substantial natural gas reserves, like Russia and the United States, have enhanced their energy security and reduced vulnerability to geopolitical issues by leveraging their natural gas resources.

5. Transition Fuel: As countries aim to transition to a low-carbon future, natural gas can serve as a bridge fuel. Its lower carbon emissions make it a suitable substitute for coal in power generation, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until renewable energy sources become more dominant.

In summary, natural gas is called the fuel for the present century due to its cleaner burning properties, abundance, versatility, reliability, and its potential to serve as a transitional fuel in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable future.