Pushed up by higher consumption by the city gas distribution (CGD) sector, natural gas consumption in India is projected to grow by nearly 60 per cent to 103 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually, while gas imports will double by 2030, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.

The city gas distribution sector is expected to lead consumption growth in India between now and 2030, supported by rapid CNG infrastructure expansion and competitive pricing against liquid fuels.

India's natural gas consumption is set to jump 60% between 2023 and 2030, doubling the country's need for liquefied natural gas imports, as domestic output is expected to grow much more slowly than demand,

The report, launched during India Energy Week in New Delhi, highlights that after over a decade of sluggish growth and periodic declines, India’s natural gas demand grew by more than 10% in both 2023 and 2024.

India’s liquefied natural gas purchases are set to more than double by 2030 as infrastructure expansion and modest growth in domestic production prompt a jump in consumption, according to the International Energy Agency.

IEA Energy Markets and Security director Keisuke Sadamori said: “India’s gas market is entering a new phase of growth, supported by significant infrastructure development and