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.

India's natural gas consumption is forecast to increase by nearly 60 per cent by 2030, driven by robust growth in city gas distribution, industrial demand, and power generation, International Energy Agency said in its 'India Gas Market Report - Outlook to 2030'.

IEA predicts India's natural gas consumption to reach 103 bcm annually by 2030, driven by infrastructure expansion and policy support.

Government strategies and policy interventions will be required to achieve this level, according to the Paris-headquartered agency

The IEA report released on the second day of India Energy Week highlighted the potential of policy interventions in boosting gas consumption beyond the forecasted trajectory

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.

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.

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