India secured its position as the world's most active long-term liquefied natural gas buyer in 2025, contracting 8.4 million tons per annum according to the International Group of LNG Importers' 2026 annual report. The achievement reflects India's strategy to expand its energy infrastructure amid growing demand, with the nation bringing online its eighth LNG import terminal during the year.
The country's aggressive LNG procurement strategy aligns with broader ambitions to increase natural gas's share in its overall energy mix to approximately 15 percent over the next decade, up from current levels. Multiple domestic energy companies participated in the long-term contracting activity, with IndianOil accounting for 4.7 MTPA of the total agreements across six major market participants.
India's emergence as the leading long-term LNG buyer underscores the nation's efforts to strengthen energy security while transitioning toward cleaner fuels. The shift positions India as a critical growth driver in global LNG markets as it continues expanding terminal capacity and diversifying its energy portfolio.