BP Bets on NEC-25 for Gas Surge, Credits PM Modi’s Reforms
In a significant move signaling confidence in India’s energy reforms, British energy giant BP (British Petroleum) has doubled down on its investment strategy for the upcoming NEC-25 gas block in the Bay of Bengal. The company aims to unlock a new wave of natural gas production from the deepwater block, which is expected to play a crucial role in supporting India’s clean energy transition.
BP, in collaboration with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has been actively involved in deepwater exploration in the Krishna-Godavari basin. With NEC-25 projected to start output in early 2026, the project could contribute up to 10% of India’s domestic gas production, easing reliance on imported LNG.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s structural reforms in the energy sector—especially in ease of doing business, licensing policies, and gas pricing mechanisms—have created a stable and attractive environment for global players like BP,” said a senior BP executive in a recent statement.
The company’s renewed interest comes at a time when India is pushing aggressively to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030, up from the current 6.7%. The NEC-25 development aligns with this national vision, potentially unlocking over 1 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves.
BP has emphasized that India is a key growth market in its global portfolio, and that policy continuity, regulatory transparency, and a focus on infrastructure have made it a top investment destination in Asia.
The NEC-25 project is also seen as a strategic asset for India’s eastern gas grid, expected to boost industrial growth, support the fertilizer sector, and ensure cleaner fuel availability for transportation and households.
Energy analysts say BP’s optimism reflects broader sentiment in the global energy community, as reforms like the unified pipeline tariff, the gas trading hub, and city gas distribution expansions drive momentum toward a gas-based economy.
As India eyes energy security with sustainability, partnerships like BP-RIL’s are paving the way for future-ready infrastructure that aligns with both economic growth and environmental goals.
