India’s oil demand to rise by 8.2 mbpd by 2050, led by transport and petrochemicals: OPEC

Published By DPRJ Universal | Published on Thursday, 29 January 2026

OPEC projects India's oil demand will significantly increase to 8.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2050. This surge is primarily driven by the expanding transport sector and the growing petrochemical industry. The forecast highlights India's critical role in future global energy consumption patterns, reflecting its economic growth and industrialization trends, and will have substantial implications for the global oil market.

According to OPEC, India is poised for a substantial increase in its oil demand, with projections indicating a rise to 8.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) by the year 2050. This significant forecast underscores India's escalating energy requirements as the nation continues its rapid economic development and industrial expansion. The primary drivers for this heightened demand are identified as the burgeoning transport sector and the robust growth of the petrochemical industry. India's increasing population, urbanization, and economic activities are expected to fuel a greater need for transportation, encompassing personal mobility, commercial logistics, and public transit systems, all heavily reliant on oil products. Concurrently, the expansion of India's manufacturing and industrial base is propelling the petrochemical sector, which utilizes oil as a crucial raw material for producing plastics, fertilizers, and a diverse range of chemical products vital for various industries and consumer goods. This long-term projection from OPEC provides critical insights into global energy dynamics, positioning India as a key player in future oil consumption. The anticipated surge in demand will necessitate strategic planning for India's energy security, infrastructure development, and environmental policies, as the country seeks to sustainably meet these growing energy needs, potentially impacting global oil trade dynamics.