GAIL plans expansion in gas, petrochemicals, and clean energy: Chairman

State-run gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd plans to expand its natural gas pipeline network, diversify LNG sourcing and shipping, scale up petrochemicals and LPG infrastructure, and invest in clean-energy technologies as geopolitical disruptions underscore the need for greater energy security, the company's chairman said on Thursday.

Addressing GAIL's 42nd annual general meeting, Deepak Gupta said the year had highlighted the growing importance of balancing energy security with the global shift toward cleaner fuels.

"Energy security has become as important as energy transition," he said, pointing to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to LNG supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz that exposed vulnerabilities in global energy markets.

"The resulting volatility in LNG prices, freight rates and supply availability reinforced the need for diversified sourcing, resilient infrastructure and flexible supply chains," he said.

"At the same time, the global transition ...