New Delhi: India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports fell significantly during April–September 2025, as prolonged monsoon rains and fluctuating international prices dampened consumption across industrial and power sectors, according to government and industry data.
📉 Import Drop Driven by Weather and Prices
Official figures indicate that LNG imports dropped by nearly 14% year-on-year, as several western and southern terminals faced disruptions due to heavy rainfall and weaker downstream demand.
Energy experts say global gas price swings — triggered by geopolitical tensions and uneven supply recovery — further discouraged spot purchases by Indian refiners.
“With monsoon-related slowdowns in fertilizer, cement, and power generation sectors, gas consumption fell below expectations,” said an energy analyst from the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC).
💧 Monsoon’s Ripple Effect on Energy Infrastructure
Persistent rains caused flooding in key industrial zones across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, affecting pipeline operations and LNG terminal throughput.
The impact was particularly visible in Dahej and Hazira, two of India’s largest LNG handling ports, where regasification volumes dropped by double digits.
🌍 Global Volatility Adds to Domestic Strain
International LNG prices, which peaked earlier this year due to renewed European winter demand and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, kept importers cautious.
This volatility, coupled with currency depreciation, led to higher landed costs for Indian buyers — prompting several utilities to switch temporarily to coal and fuel oil.
🔋 Long-Term Outlook Remains Positive
Despite the short-term slump, analysts expect India’s LNG demand to rebound in early 2026, supported by industrial recovery and ongoing infrastructure expansion.
The government’s National Gas Grid and new floating storage regasification units (FSRUs) are expected to ease logistical challenges and ensure greater energy security.
India remains committed to increasing its natural gas share to 15% of the energy mix by 2030, up from the current 6.5%, underlining its push for cleaner transition fuels amid global decarbonization efforts.
