IEW 2026: Leaders Emphasise Natural Gas, LNG for Energy Transition, Grid Stability, Economic Growth

Natural gas and LNG are increasingly emerging as long-term, foundational components of modern energy systems. Global energy leaders highlighted this at India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, emphasising their pivotal role in emissions reduction and energy security.

On the opening day, a high-level leadership panel discussed the evolving role of gas in the energy transition amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. The session, titled, 'Repositioning Natural Gas and Energy Transformation: Pragmatic Bridging Resource to Pivotal Destination Fuel,' brought together Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman of IndianOil Corporation Ltd; Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (India) Ltd; Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas; and Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate Energy.

Panelists said that global gas demand is projected to rise by 30–35 per cent by 2050, with coal-to-gas switching identified as the most immediate and practical pathway to cut emissions while maintaining grid stability.

From India’s perspective, speakers highlighted the rapid expansion of the country’s gas ecosystem, supported by increasing domestic production, diversified LNG imports and sustained investments in pipelines, terminals and city gas distribution networks. Natural gas was identified as a key fuel for fertilisers, transport and urban energy access.

The discussion reiterated that the energy transition should be approached as 'energy addition' rather than abrupt replacement of existing fuels, echoing remarks made earlier by the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Panelists said properly abated gas-based power generation, supported by higher efficiency, methane emission controls and emerging carbon management technologies, is essential to complement renewable energy by providing flexibility, reliability and dispatchability in power systems.

However, affordability remains a major challenge to wider adoption. Panelists stressed that gas and LNG must become more cost-competitive not only to displace coal but also to remain viable alongside renewables and alternative fuels.

They underlined the need for policy stability, supportive regulatory frameworks, access to long-term financing, lower infrastructure costs and the development of a liquid and transparent global gas market to accelerate adoption. The importance of renewed upstream investments was also emphasised to address potential global supply gaps.

The panel further highlighted the need to expand LNG import capacity and regasification infrastructure, including floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), along with pipelines and last-mile connectivity, to ensure that rising global supply translates into accessible and affordable energy.

India Energy Week united policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to drive investment, policy alignment, and collaboration for a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future.