India has seen a major increase in use of LPG
Letter from India: Prosperity and sustainability make uneasy bedfellows
Burgeoning middle class and long-term growth from a low base at odds with energy transition efforts
Visits to India never fail to leave the impression of fast growth, dynamism and people in a hurry to get richer. The big-picture numbers are certainly impressive: GDP growth is likely to be about 5% in 2023 and 6% in 2024, according to OECD data. Looking ahead, the pace could accelerate even further to 7% through the rest of the decade. India surpassed China earlier this year to become the world’s most populous country, with more than 1.43b people. The population will continue to grow to 2063, when it will peak at 1.66b, according to the UN. The proportion of the population living in energy-hungry cities will grow from 36% in 2022 to 53% in 2050, while per capita income is expected to triple
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
