‘ONGC can create a reliable gas supply eco system in Tamil Nadu’ - The HinduUpdated - August 16, 2026 02:21 pm IST - KARAIKALK. V. Ilango, Asset Manager, ONGC Cauvery Asset, saluting the national flag at the Independence Day celebration at ONGC Cauvery Asset at Neravy in Karaikal on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementOil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) has the potential to play an important role in fuelling Tamil Nadu’s emerging gas-based economy through increased supply of domestic natural gas from the existing reserves and significant scope for continued exploration and appraisal, said K.V. Ilango, Asset Manager, ONGC Cauvery Asset, here on Saturday.ONGC gets U.S. licence to resume full Venezuela operations, eyes operatorshipSpeaking at the Independence Day celebrations at ONGC’s Cauvery Asset at Neravy, Mr. Ilango said that energy security was an essential pillar of national development and ONGC through its domestic exploration and production had an important role in ensuring reliable energy availability.According to a press release from ONGC, Mr. Ilango emphasised the significant opportunity before Tamil Nadu, which has a large and growing energy requirement as well as valuable domestic oil and natural gas resources in the non delta and delta regions.The State’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2023, envisages extending the benefits of PNG and CNG across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, and increased availability of competitively priced domestic gas can be an important enabler in achieving this ambitious vision.With its established gas production capabilities and the State’s robust gas transmission infrastructure, including the Ennore–Thiruvallur–Bengaluru–Puducherry–Nagapattinam–Madurai–Tuticorin (ETBPL) pipeline, ONGC can contribute towards creating a reliable domestic gas supply ecosystem for households, industries, fertilizer plants, power generation and transportation.Greater utilisation of domestic gas can reduce dependence on imported LNG, improve energy affordability and resilience, and support Tamil Nadu’s transition towards a cleaner and more efficient gas-based economy, he said.Tamil Nadu’s reserves, Mr. Ilango emphasised, should be viewed not merely as a source of hydrocarbons, but as a strategic energy resource capable of supporting the State’s industrial growth, agriculture, employment and economic development.ONGC was committed to working closely with the State government, regulatory authorities, industries and local communities to unlock the potential of the region with due emphasis on safety, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.Responsible development of domestic resources, coupled with efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure, can strengthen Tamil Nadu’s energy security while contributing to the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, he added.Published - August 15, 2026 06:13 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }