India’s Gas Demand to Rise 60% by 2030: Officials

India’s natural gas use is expected to reach 103 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year by 2030, which is almost 60% higher than current levels. This was shared by Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, at an event held by the Chintan Research Foundation on Thursday.

With stronger policies, such as faster city gas rollout, more LNG use in transport, and better use of gas power plants, demand could rise further to 120 bcm by 2030. This would be close to South America’s current gas use.

India aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. Gas is seen as an important bridge fuel to move from coal to cleaner energy. Khanooja said that although green hydrogen and other clean fuels are emerging, India still depends mostly on regasified LNG to increase its gas share in the energy mix.

Currently, gas makes up only 6.8% of India’s primary energy use, far from the 15% target for 2030. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that if current trends continue, India may only reach 8-9% by 2030.

To boost gas use even to 10%, India needs to overcome key challenges. The Ministry released updated forecasts under the ‘India Gas Vision’ programme, showing growth supported by better infrastructure and policy changes.

Suresh P. Manglani, CEO of Adani Total Gas Limited, said India should learn from China, which uses LNG widely for trucks and freight transport. He suggested India build about 300 LNG stations across major logistics hubs to meet even part of its demand.

Manglani added that India should also encourage new uses for gas in industries and remote areas to grow the market.

Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, CEO of Indian Gas Exchange, said India could become Asia’s largest gas market, equal to or bigger than Japan and South Korea. With such demand, India can negotiate better global contracts without depending heavily on intermediaries or spot markets.