Flexing India's muscles

The country will need to import more oil and gas. But, as recent oil and LNG deals show, the advantage is presently with the buyer

At some point before the end of 2020, liquefied natural gas from the US, Australia or Qatar will land for regasification at a plant in Haldia, a port in West Bengal state. Once they're warmed, the molecules will enter India's domestic pipeline network, supplying fertiliser and steel plants, industrial users and even small customers. It should be a new source of cheap fuel for a hungry economy. India will need more. Its rapid expansion will translate into ever-rising volumes of fossil fuels and surging supplies from abroad. Domestic production, renewables, and conservation efforts will play a part in mitigating this. And Indian investors are scouring the globe for reserves. But for all that,