India Energy Week 2026: Global Leaders Identify Natural Gas as Key to Emissions Reduction

A leadership panel titled "Repositioning Natural Gas and Energy Transformation: Pragmatic Bridging Resource to Pivotal Destination Fuel," at India Energy Week 2026 emphasized the critical role of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in strengthening energy security, supporting economic development, and enabling a practical approach to the global energy transition.

Long-Term Role for Natural Gas

Participants highlighted that natural gas and LNG are increasingly viewed as foundational elements of modern energy infrastructure rather than merely transitional fuels. With global gas demand expected to rise 30-35% by 2050, the panel identified switching from coal to gas as the most immediate and practical method to reduce emissions while maintaining grid stability.

The discussion focused on India's expanding gas infrastructure, supported by increasing domestic production, diversified LNG imports, and ongoing investments in pipelines, terminals, and city gas distribution networks. Natural gas is positioned to serve critical functions across fertilizer production, transportation, and urban energy access.

The panelf eatured prominent energy sector executives including Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman of IndianOil Corporation Limited; Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (India) Limited; Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas; and Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate Energy.

The panel endorsed the concept of energy addition rather than abrupt fuel replacement, aligning with remarks made earlier in the day by India's Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Gas-fired power generation, when combined with efficiency improvements, methane reduction measures, and emerging carbon management technologies, was described as essential for providing flexibility and reliability in power systems with growing renewable energy capacity.

Cost competitiveness emerged as a significant barrier to wider natural gas adoption. Panelists stressed that gas and LNG must become more economically viable to successfully displace coal and remain competitive alongside renewable energy sources and alternative fuels.

The discussion identified several factors as crucial to accelerating natural gas uptake: stable policy environments, supportive regulatory frameworks, access to long-term financing, reduced infrastructure costs, and development of a transparent global gas market. Renewed investment in upstream production was also flagged as necessary to address anticipated supply shortages.

Infrastructure Priorities

Speakers emphasized the need to expand LNG import capacity, regasification facilities—including floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs)—pipeline networks, and last-mile connectivity to ensure global supply reaches consumers at accessible prices.

India Energy Week serves as the country's premier global energy platform, convening government officials, industry leaders, and innovators to advance secure, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions. The event functions as an international forum for investment, policy coordination, and technological collaboration in the energy sector.