IEW 2025: Affordability & supply reliability key to India’s LNG demand growth, say industry experts

A number of leading industry experts joined hands at the 2025 edition of the India Energy Week (IEW) to discuss the future of globally-traded liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its role in shaping business models for the next era as well as sustainable energy markets. On the third day of the grand event, touted as the world’s second largest energy event, a panel of industry representatives emphasised that the country’s demand for gas is poised to grow significantly by 2030. However, aspects like affordability and contract reliability need to be in place to ensure LNG as a viable option, they agreed. 

On the list of panelists were Abhilash Gupta, MD and CEO of THINK Gas and AG&P Pratham, Nakul Raheja, Country Head of Shell Energy, Sandeep Jain, Executive Director-Gas at Indian Oil Corporation, Rashid Al Mazrouei, SVP-Marketing at ADNOC Gas, and Teresa Dyar, GM-LNG Origination (Asia Pacific) at Chevron.

Discussing the aftermath of the 2022 energy crisis, the panelists emphasised the necessity of reliable long-term LNG agreements. 

Highlighting India’s resilience in managing the energy crisis in 2022 that led to a price shock, IOC’s Jain said that the government’s pricing reforms, including a domestic price ceiling and a unified tariff, have stabilised the sector. 

He singled out the city gas distribution (CGD) sector to drive   India’s increasing LNG demand, supplemented by demand from refining, and industrial sectors. He also highlighted that out of 25 GW of India’s installed gas-based power generation, only 16 GW was operational due to the unaffordable gas price at $16/mmbtu. 

If natural gas could be made available in the range of $5-9/mmbtu, the power generation segment could significantly contribute to LNG demand, said Jain. 

Shell Energy’s Raheja emphasised that India's shift back to long-term contracts ensures stable supplies, especially after the Ukraine war, exposed vulnerabilities, and created a 5 million metric tonne supply gap. 

Al Mazrouei highlighted ADNOC’s commitment to reliability and sustainability, with investments in low-carbon energy and AI-driven efficiency improvements.

Discussing the potential for LNG trucking in India, Gupta of THINK Gas pointed to China’s success as a model. 

Infrastructure development remains key, and a coordinated approach rather than heavy government intervention could unlock the sector’s potential, he said. 

Chevron’s Dyar reiterated Chevron’s commitment to supporting India’s energy transition from coal to cleaner fuels. She also emphasised the growing importance of contractual terms, such as the wilful misconduct clause, in negotiations.

Conclusion

As India strengthens its role in the global LNG market, strategic long-term engagements and infrastructure enhancements will be critical to ensuring energy security, sustainability, and economic growth, agreed the panel. 

India Energy Week 2025 

The IEW 2025 event entered its third day on Thursday. Organised at the Yashobhoomi international convention and expo centre in Dwarka, New Delhi, the IEW 2025 is set to record unparalleled global participation from ministers, CEOs and industry leaders in the country’s crucial energy space.