Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized India's critical need for increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to meet the growing demand from the country's expanding petrochemicals sector. The statement highlights India's strategic energy requirements as the nation continues to strengthen its industrial manufacturing base.

Growing Energy Demands in Petrochemicals

The Prime Minister's remarks underscore the significant role that LNG plays in India's petrochemical industry, which serves as a key driver of the country's industrial growth. As India's petrochemical sector continues to expand, the demand for reliable and adequate LNG supplies has become increasingly important for maintaining production capacity and supporting future growth initiatives.

Strategic Energy Security Focus

Modi's statement reflects India's broader energy security strategy, particularly in ensuring sufficient natural gas availability for industrial applications. The petrochemicals industry relies heavily on natural gas as both a feedstock and fuel source, making LNG supply security a critical component of the sector's operational sustainability.

Companies like Petronet LNG , which operate LNG import terminals and distribution infrastructure, play a crucial role in meeting India's growing natural gas requirements. The country's LNG import infrastructure continues to be vital for bridging the gap between domestic production and industrial demand.

Industrial Growth Implications

The emphasis on increased LNG requirements signals India's commitment to supporting the petrochemicals sector's expansion plans. This focus on energy supply adequacy is expected to facilitate continued industrial development and help maintain India's position as a growing petrochemical manufacturing hub in the region.

The Prime Minister's statement comes at a time when India is actively working to enhance its energy infrastructure and secure long-term supply arrangements to support various industrial sectors, with petrochemicals being a key beneficiary of these strategic initiatives.

Petronet LNG Limited has strengthened its board leadership with the appointment of two senior IAS officers as directors, effective January 16, 2026. The appointments were approved through board resolution following recommendations from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Board Appointments Overview

The company announced two key appointments to enhance its governance structure:

Shri Neeraj Mittal - New Chairman Profile

Dr. Neeraj Mittal brings extensive experience as Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A 1992 batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre, he holds impressive academic credentials including B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, MBA from Cranfield University UK, and Ph.D in Management Information Systems from Ohio State University USA.

His career highlights include:

• Secretary in Department of Telecom during central deputation
• Joint Secretary in Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, instrumental in rolling out Cash Transfer program in LPG and 'Give It Up' campaign
• Senior Advisor to Executive Director at World Bank, Washington DC
• CEO of Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau
• Additional Chief Secretary, Information Technology and Digital Service Department
• MD & CEO of Tamil Nadu Urban Finance & Infrastructure Development Corporation

Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh - Director Appointment

Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh, a 2003 batch IAS officer, currently serves as Managing Director of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited. She holds B.E. in Instrumentation & Control Engineering from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology Delhi and Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Professional Achievements

Her distinguished career spans two decades with notable accomplishments:

Current Leadership Roles

Ms. Aulakh currently holds multiple directorial positions including:

• Managing Director of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited
• Managing Director of Gujarat Gas Limited, GSPC LNG Limited, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited
• Joint Managing Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited
• Previous board positions at Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited, Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited, and Dholera International Airport Company Limited

Compliance and Governance

Both appointees meet all regulatory requirements under SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. Neither director is debarred from holding office by any SEBI order or other authority. Both directors have no inter-se relationship with existing board members and hold no equity shares in Petronet LNG Limited.

The appointments reflect the company's commitment to strengthening its leadership with experienced professionals from the petroleum and natural gas sector, bringing valuable expertise in policy implementation, infrastructure development, and corporate governance.