India is accelerating the use of renewable energy and coal-fired power as its natural gas supply faces disruption from the ongoing war in the Middle East. Shripad Naik, India’s junior power minister, told Parliament that gas shortages and price volatility have forced the country to seek alternative energy sources.

Earlier this month, India cut gas supply to industrial users after QatarEnergy declared force majeure following missile strikes on its Ras Laffan LNG facility. The attacks are expected to cost the company $20 billion annually, with repairs potentially taking up to five years.

In response, the government is boosting wind energy, battery storage, and coal-fired power generation. Coal already supplies over half of India’s electricity, and power plants have been instructed to operate at full capacity for three months starting April 1 to meet rising demand during the summer. Peak electricity consumption this year is projected to reach 270 gigawatts, surpassing the 2024 record of 250 gigawatts.

While gas contributes a smaller share to India’s electricity mix, it is traditionally used for flexible peak-load generation. This summer, coal is expected to fill that role, ensuring stable electricity supply amid soaring LNG prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Officials say India’s power system is prepared to handle the summer peak demand, with renewable energy and coal working together to offset the gas shortfall.