LNG Imports Skyrocket in India, Threatening Energy Security

India's reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports has nearly doubled over the past decade, raising concerns about energy security and price stability. According to a report by Parliament's Estimates Committee, LNG imports grew from 13.29 million metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 26.96 MMT in 2024-25.

The committee noted that around 50 percent of India's domestic natural gas requirement is met through LNG imports, with demand projected to exceed 40 MMT per annum by 2030. To address this issue, the committee recommended strengthening long-term LNG sourcing arrangements while retaining flexibility through spot purchases.

The report also called for reducing import dependence over the medium to long term by increasing domestic production, expanding Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Coal Bed Methane (CBM), improving energy efficiency, and strengthening energy diplomacy through overseas upstream investments. India aims to raise natural gas share in its primary energy basket from the current 6 percent to 15 percent by 2030.