Asia is expected to lead global growth in oil and gas trunk and transmission pipeline infrastructure, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of the total new pipeline length additions worldwide by 2030.
This surge is driven by strong economic growth, rising energy demand, and ongoing industrialisation in key countries such as India, China, and Indonesia, which are heavily investing in pipeline projects to secure energy supplies, diversify import routes, and accommodate expanding urban populations.
India is set to be the foremost contributor within Asia, projected to account for over 40 per cent of the region’s pipeline length increases by 2030.
The country’s growth is propelled by rising energy needs, efforts to enhance energy access, and support for industrial and urban expansion.
India’s focus on energy security, reducing import bottlenecks, and increasing natural gas adoption also supports this expansion.
Projects with all necessary approvals constitute over 85 per cent of India’s forthcoming pipeline length.
Among the major projects is the Kandla-Gorakhpur natural gas liquid pipeline — a 2,800-kilometre onshore route from Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh, operated by IHB with equity stakes held by Indian Oil Corp (50%), Bharat Petroleum Corp (25%), and Oil and Natural Gas Corp (25%).
This pipeline is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations within the year.
Other significant projects include the Mehsana-Bhatinda gas pipeline and the Dhamra-Numaligarh oil pipeline.
China follows closely behind, expected to contribute nearly 36 per cent of Asia’s pipeline length additions by 2030.
Nearly all upcoming projects there have secured development approvals, and most are gas pipelines.
A standout is the Xinjiang-Guangdong-Zhejiang synthetic natural gas (SNG) pipeline, which will extend 8,972 kilometres, operated by SNG Transmission Pipeline with major equity holdings by China National Petroleum (29.9%) and China Petrochemical (14%).
This project is slated to begin operations next year.
Other key projects include the West-East IV gas pipeline and the Zhongwei-Ji gas pipeline.
Indonesia ranks third, with nearly 5,889 kilometres of pipeline length forecasted to be added by 2030.
Announced projects represent about two-thirds of this expected length.
A notable project is the West Kalimantan-Central Kalimantan gas pipeline, stretching 1,800 kilometres and expected to start operations in 2028.
PT Pertamina holds full equity ownership while PT Perusahaan Gas Negara operates this pipeline.
This extensive pipeline development reflects the broader trend of infrastructure expansion needed in Asia to support its rapid economic growth and energy needs.
