In the award evening’s inaugural address, Shri.  A.K. Singh, Chairman ONGC & FIPI highlighted that as we stand at the threshold of the 21st century, we share a common concern - a concern for sustainable growth. He said that India’s energy sector is continuously evolving, by changing industrial processes, integrating with renewables; carbon capture, hydrogen and utilizing more energy efficient and less carbon intensive technologies. As the economic landscape in the country transform in line with new technologies and fuel alternatives, FIPI has emerged as the professional Think tank for the oil and gas sector. He mentioned that the incorporation of clean energy awards shows importance of energy transition in today’s world and recognizes the efforts of organizations in the field of solar, wind, hydrogen, CBG and CCUS.

The special address at the awards ceremony was delivered by Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, MOP&NG. He highlighted the indomitable spirit of oil and gas industry with its commitment, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, that has kept the pace ahead to energize the nation. He mentioned that with Government carrying out several reforms in mission mode to create an environment sustainable for low carbon economy, India is moving ahead in right direction.

The Guest of Honour, Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas mentioned that the FIPI Awards Ceremony is a vital and remarkable milestone for the hydrocarbon industry operating in India as it enhances the spirit of healthy competition and acts as an impetus for corporates and individuals to excel. Further he also mentioned that with India growing at a steadfast rate, it in turn presents significant opportunities for companies in the energy sector.  He said that several policy initiatives of the government are well on their way to propel the country towards a resilient and self-sufficient economy and will help in attaining the Honourable Prime Minister’s mission of becoming carbon neutral by 2070. 

The FIPI Oil and Gas Awards 2023 ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Hon’ble Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas.  The Minister awarded individuals and companies under 19 different categories for their outstanding contribution to the Indian oil and gas sector. He highlighted the role of the oil & gas sector in meeting the country’s energy demand and the efforts made by FIPI to advocate conducive policies for the sector. In his key note address, Chief Guest of the evening highlighted that the Government of India has undertaken landmark reforms in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of Hydrocarbon industry in India. These reforms, which include the diversification of crude supplies, gas pricing reforms, and the opening of NO-GO areas aim to create a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy future for India. The Hon’ble Minister further highlighted amendments to the Oilfields Regulation and Development (ORD) Act and efforts to expand refinery capacities from 215 MMTPA in 2014 to 256.8 MMTPA in 2024, with a target of 310 MMTPA by 2028. Furthermore, he said that India is on track to increase its exploration acreage to 1 million square kilometres by 2030, with a 16% increase expected by 2025. Further, the Hon’ble Minister congratulated all the award winners for their outstanding achievement in their respective fields during the year.

The Hon’ble Minister also congratulated all the participants for making India Energy Week (IEW) 2024, the second edition of IEW, a resounding success. He further mentioned about the next edition of India Energy Week 2025 will be held at Yashobhoomi, Delhi between 11-14 February 2025. He said that it is expected to provide a unique opportunity for India to bring together all the international stakeholders in the energy sector, on a common platform to facilitate growth, collaboration, and transition to a transformative and prosperous future for all.

The award ceremony witnessed overwhelming participation by industry leaders from across the oil and gas value chain including CMDs of various Oil/Gas PSUs and several eminent personalities.