Hardeep Singh Puri launches ₹23,731-crore GOBARdhan scheme for compressed biogas
On 1 October 2026 Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched GOBARdhan, a ₹23,731-crore Central Sector Scheme (FY 2026-27 to 2035-36) to raise India's compressed biogas (CBG) output nearly ten-fold to about 5 MMSCMD.
Summary
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched GOBARdhan, the Central Sector Scheme for the compressed biogas (CBG) sector, approved by the Union Cabinet on 6 August 2026 with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. It gives a ten-year framework (FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36) with assured offtake by City Gas Distribution entities, an administered CBG price of ₹2,110 per MMBtu, capital aid of up to ₹2 crore per TPD, pipeline support and a credit guarantee for MSME projects. A GOBARdhan Handbook and a Unified GOBARdhan Portal were also launched.
Key facts
- Type
- Central Sector Scheme, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Cabinet approval
- 6 August 2026
- Outlay
- ₹23,731 crore
- Period
- FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 (10 years)
- Target
- CBG output up nearly 10-fold, to about 5 MMSCMD
- CBG Obligation on CGD
- 3% (2026-27), 4% (2027-28), 5% from 2028-29
- Administered price
- ₹2,110 per MMBtu
- Capital aid
- Up to ₹2 crore per TPD (greenfield)
- Credit guarantee
- Up to 85%; cap ₹20 crore (general MSME), ₹25 crore (women-led MSME)
- Present base
- 217+ CBG plants, over 1,700 TPD (Aug 2026)
Practice MCQs 5 questions
What is the outlay of the GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme for compressed biogas launched on 1 October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹23,731 crore
The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 6 August 2026 with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore.
Consider the following statements about the GOBARdhan scheme (2026): 1. It is a ten-year framework from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. 2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
GOBARdhan provides a ten-year framework from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 and was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, not Jal Shakti.
What administered price of compressed biogas is fixed under the GOBARdhan scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹2,110 per MMBtu
The scheme introduces an administered CBG price of ₹2,110 per MMBtu.
Under GOBARdhan, the CBG procurement obligation on City Gas Distribution entities from FY 2028-29 onwards is:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 5%
The CBG Obligation is 3% in FY 2026-27, 4% in FY 2027-28 and 5% from FY 2028-29 onwards.
Under the GOBARdhan credit guarantee, what is the guarantee cap per project for women-led MSME CBG projects?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹25 crore
The guarantee cap is ₹20 crore per project for general MSME projects and ₹25 crore for women-led MSME projects.