French energy major TotalEnergies has inked a long-term deal to supply 400,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) for a decade, starting in 2026. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of India Energy Week, is set to enhance India’s access to natural gas for industries, households, and transportation.
A Strategic Move to Secure LNG Supply
The agreement between TotalEnergies and GSPC underscores India’s growing reliance on LNG to meet its rising energy demand. Under the deal:
- TotalEnergies will supply 400,000 tonnes of LNG per year, equivalent to six cargoes annually.
- The shipments will be delivered to India’s west coast LNG terminals.
- The gas will cater to industrial users, households, and transportation sectors.
This move aligns with India’s broader strategy to increase natural gas usage in its energy mix, reducing dependence on coal and crude oil. The government aims to boost the share of natural gas in the country’s total energy consumption from around 6% to 15% by 2030.
Meeting India’s Rising Natural Gas Demand
India is among the world’s fastest-growing LNG markets. With domestic natural gas production falling short of demand, the country has been securing long-term LNG supply agreements to bridge the gap.
GSPC, a key player in Gujarat’s energy market, has been expanding its LNG procurement portfolio. The deal with TotalEnergies strengthens its supply network and supports its mission to provide cost-competitive gas to:
- Industries needing reliable energy for manufacturing and production.
- Households transitioning from traditional fuels to cleaner alternatives.
- Public transport systems relying on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Gujarat, being one of India’s leading industrial hubs, consumes a significant portion of the country’s LNG imports. The state already houses two major LNG terminals at Dahej and Hazira, with another one under construction in Mundra.
A Win for TotalEnergies in India’s Energy Market
For TotalEnergies, this agreement is a significant step in strengthening its presence in India’s LNG sector. The French company has been expanding its footprint in the country, actively participating in LNG supply deals and investing in energy infrastructure.
Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President of LNG at TotalEnergies, emphasized the company’s commitment to India’s energy security, stating, “We are delighted to have been chosen by GSPC to supply them with LNG in India. This new deal underscores TotalEnergies’ leadership in the LNG sector and commitment to India’s energy transition.”
TotalEnergies has a strong global LNG portfolio, with operations spanning multiple continents. This deal reinforces its position as a major supplier in the Indian market, competing with players like QatarEnergy, Shell, and ExxonMobil, which also supply LNG to Indian firms.
LNG’s Role in India’s Clean Energy Push
Natural gas is increasingly being viewed as a transition fuel as India works towards reducing its carbon footprint. Unlike coal, LNG burns cleaner, producing significantly lower emissions. The government is pushing for greater adoption of gas in multiple sectors, including:
- Power Generation – Reducing coal-fired power plant dependency.
- Fertilizer Industry – Providing a steady gas supply for production.
- Transport – Expanding CNG networks to reduce petrol and diesel usage.
However, India still faces infrastructure bottlenecks. While LNG terminals are being expanded, last-mile connectivity through pipelines remains a challenge. The government is investing in gas pipelines to ensure LNG can reach more states beyond Gujarat and Maharashtra.
How This Deal Fits into India’s LNG Import Strategy
India imports nearly 50% of its natural gas consumption, with LNG playing a major role. Over the past few years, major Indian energy firms such as Petronet LNG, Indian Oil Corporation, and GAIL have been signing long-term deals with global suppliers.
This new agreement between TotalEnergies and GSPC highlights:
- India’s effort to secure long-term, stable LNG supplies at competitive prices.
- Growing partnerships between Indian and global energy firms to meet rising energy demand.
- A shift toward cleaner energy sources as part of India’s energy transition goals.
GSPC Managing Director Milind Torawane noted that this deal is a strategic move to secure competitively priced LNG and bridge the natural gas demand-supply deficit.
India’s LNG Imports at a Glance
Category | Data (2023) |
---|---|
LNG Imports | 25-30 million tonnes per year |
Share of Natural Gas in India’s Energy Mix | ~6% |
Target by 2030 | 15% |
Major LNG Suppliers | Qatar, USA, Australia, Russia |
LNG Terminals in Operation | 6 (Dahej, Hazira, Kochi, etc.) |
Planned New Terminals | 3 (Mundra, Chhara, Jaigarh) |
With natural gas consumption projected to rise sharply in the next decade, securing long-term LNG contracts like this one ensures stable supply and price predictability for Indian consumers.