Recently, scientists of the NIO, based in Panaji, completed the mapping of areas with potential for gas hydrate occurrence off the Indian coast. Two areas, one southwest off Mumbai coast and another to the south of the Bengal delta, have been identified for further studies. The exercise is part of the National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP) initiated by Gas Authority of India. NIO sources say efforts are on to narrow down sites which have characteristics of gas hydrate bearing sediments.

Even as the national oil and gas companies work oninstituting techniques required for gas hydrate exploration in the offshore areas NIO's scientists are attempting to understand the geological, physical, chemical and biological process responsible for the occurrence of gas hydrate.

Consequently the knowledge gained from it would be employed to predict the presence of gas hydrates in order to aid exploration efforts. Sources say the search for gas hydrates off India's coast is progressing steadily though infusion of funds would help speed up the process. Though natural gas hydrate are seen as a viable alternative when fossil fuel reserves are exhausted fuel efficient technology and falling crude oil prices have lulled decision makers into complacency.

Worldwide the gas hydrate stock is estimated to exceed 10,000 Gigatons, containing more than double the amount of carbon in existing fossil fuel reserves like oil, petroleum gas and coal.