IGX has introduced novel gas contracts tailored for the power sector, aiming to tackle the growing demand, which reached 241 GW last year and is projected to hit 255 GW this summer. These contracts, designed for simplified trading with fixed prices, present weekly, fortnightly, and monthly delivery options, granting power companies flexibility to address their diverse consumption requirements.
Rajesh K Mediratta, MD & CEO of IGX, emphasized the significance of these contracts amid fluctuating gas prices. He stated, “As gas prices may decrease to single digits this summer, spot gas markets become crucial for meeting the surging power demand. With power prices potentially rising to Rs. 10/kwh and gas prices falling below $10/MMBtu, the power sector's gas usage, currently at 14%, is poised for a substantial increase in 2024”.
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), highlighted the appropriateness of the new IGX contract for gas-based power plants in his keynote address. He suggested that certain adjustments in gas transportation capacity booking timelines would enhance the contract's efficacy in supporting these plants by procuring gas from IGX at competitive prices.
P.K. Mishra, Executive Director - Fuels at NTPC, commended IGX for introducing a gas contract that adapts to the dynamic requirements of the power sector. Mishra remarked, "IGX’s new contract is a timely solution for gas power plants and aligns with the anticipated increase in gas demand over the next five to six years". This specialized contract not only meets the unique needs of the power sector but also creates new opportunities for suppliers. They can explore selling cumulative volumes at market-discovered prices, fostering a more dynamic and efficient marketplace.