According to the latest estimate of the oil ministry, the share of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the country's total consumption of the fuel may rise to 41 per cent in 2012-13 from 25.5 per cent in the preceding year. This number may rise to 50 per cent in the following year, the estimate shows.

   In order to meet rising energy demand of the growing economy, the country imported 39.32 million standard cubic meter per day (mmscmd) of LNG in 2011-12.

   It is said that in the next two years, India will become a net importer of natural gas owing to poor domestic output.

   In 2012-13, domestic natural gas production is estimated to be around 104 mmscmd, down from 114.90 mmscmd in the previous fiscal.

   In current year, LNG imports will jump to 73 mmscmd and are projected to further rise to 105 mmscmd in 2013-14, equalling the domestic gas production of that year.

   In 2014-15, imports at 115 mmscmd will surpass domestic production of 113 mmscmd, the ministry estimates said.

   For a nation whose current account deficit is already battered by 79 per cent reliance on imports for meeting oil needs, higher share of LNG in the energy based will not be a good news.