Parliament Question: Exhaustion of Fossil Fuels

**Executive Summary** This document provides the answer to Unstarred Question No. 1138 in Lok Sabha, concerning the exhaustion of fossil fuels, scheduled to be answered on 05/02/2026. It details the government's assessment of oil and gas reserves, awareness of potential economic and energy security implications, and strategies to mitigate fossil fuel exhaustion. The information is based on the Petroleum Reserve Management System (PRMS). **Key Points / Main Content** * **Reserve Assessment:** * The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons calculates the reserve status of Oil & Gas in India using PRMS. * As of April 1, 2025, the Reserve/Production (R/P) ratio for crude oil is approximately 15 years, and for natural gas, it is approximately 17 years. * The R/P ratio indicates the number of years current reserves would last at the current rate of use, but the values are indicative only due to ongoing exploration. * **Economic and Energy Security:** * The government is aware of the economic and energy security issues associated with phasing out fossil fuels, including the need for high initial investments in renewable energy. * Strategies include shifting to domestic renewable sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy. * **Mitigation Strategies:** * The government is increasing the share of natural gas, biofuels, green hydrogen, and renewable energy in the energy mix. * Specific actions include increasing ethanol blending in petrol, biodiesel blending in diesel, setting up compressed biogas plants under SATAT, developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum, and installing Alternate FuelStations (EV charging). * These actions aim to enhance self-reliance and reduce risks related to global price volatility and supply disruptions. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Government** * **Impact:** The government must continue to monitor and manage oil and gas reserves and implement strategies to diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. * **Action Required:** Continue investments in renewable energy, promote alternative fuels, and implement policies to support the transition to a sustainable energy future. **Stakeholder: Citizens/Consumers** * **Impact:** Citizens will be affected by changes in fuel availability, prices, and the adoption of alternative energy sources. * **Action Required:** Prepare for changes in transportation and energy infrastructure, adapt to new fuel options, and potentially invest in renewable energy solutions. **Stakeholder: Energy Sector Companies** * **Impact:** Energy companies, including those involved in oil, gas, and renewable energy, will need to adapt to changing market dynamics and regulatory requirements. * **Action Required:** Invest in renewable energy infrastructure, develop new technologies, and align business strategies with government policies to support a sustainable energy transition.

Key Entities Referenced