Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Market Forecast 2025-2029: Key Trends, Drivers, and Challenges
The global natural gas liquids (NGLs) market is poised for substantial growth, with a forecasted increase of USD 21.5 billion between 2024 and 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. This growth is driven by several key factors, including the demand for renewable energy, the expanding petrochemical industry, and the increasing emphasis on cleaner-burning fuels. The major NGL components—ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and pentanes plus—are becoming increasingly essential in various industries, making NGLs a critical part of the global energy landscape.

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Key Market Segments
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By Application:
- Industrial: The industrial segment is expected to witness the most significant growth during the forecast period, driven by increased demand for NGLs in heavy industries and energy recovery processes.
- Residential and Commercial: NGLs are also vital for heating and fueling vehicles, particularly in areas with limited access to natural gas.
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By Product:
- Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane: Ethane dominates the market, particularly as a key feedstock in the production of ethylene, a building block for plastics and other chemicals.
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Regional Market Trends
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North America:
- United States and Canada contribute significantly to the market, with the U.S. projected to see substantial expansion. The rise of shale gas and oil production in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in natural gas and NGL production, driven further by the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.
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Europe:
- Norway plays a key role in NGL production, primarily driven by the need for NGLs in petrochemical industries.
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Asia-Pacific (APAC):
- China is a major market for NGLs due to its growing petrochemical industry and demand for cleaner energy sources.
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Middle East and Africa (MEA):
- The region’s natural gas-rich reserves are propelling the demand for NGLs, particularly in refining and petrochemical applications.
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South America:
- Countries in South America are witnessing increased NGL demand, particularly for residential and industrial fuel use.
Market Dynamics
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Drivers:
- The increasing demand for renewable energy is one of the primary drivers of market growth. NGLs, especially propane and butane, are being favored due to their cleaner-burning properties compared to traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil.
- Government incentives and industrial demand for NGLs in petrochemical production, vehicle fuel, and residential heating are contributing significantly to the market’s expansion.
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Trends:
- The growing expansion of the petrochemical industry is another crucial trend. Ethane, used in the production of ethylene, is becoming increasingly important as industries expand globally.
- The shift towards cleaner-burning fuels is encouraging greater adoption of NGLs in various sectors.
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Challenges:
- Environmental concerns are a significant challenge. Stricter regulations on methane emissions and the competitive threat posed by renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy could hinder NGL market growth.
- Price volatility and geopolitical tensions also present risks to supply stability, particularly for countries dependent on natural gas exports.
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Key Players
- BP Plc
- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
- Chevron Corp.
- Citizen Energy
- ConocoPhillips Co.
- Equinor ASA
- Expand Energy Corp.
- Exxon Mobil Corp.
- Nigeria LNG Ltd.
- Ovintiv Inc.
- Petroleos de Venezuela SA
- PJSC LUKOIL
- PT Pertamina Persero
- Repsol S.A.
- Saudi Arabian Oil Co.
- Shell plc
- SilverBow Resources Inc.
- SM ENERGY CO.
- TotalEnergies SE
- Valero Energy Corp.
As these companies continue to invest in new production technologies and expand their operations, the NGL market will continue to experience robust growth.
Recent Developments
- January 2025: BP Plc announced the expansion of its NGL production capacity, focusing on ethane, propane, and butane products to meet the growing demand from the petrochemical sector.
- December 2024: Exxon Mobil Corp. unveiled a new fractionation plant in North America designed to improve the efficiency of NGL extraction from shale gas reserves.
- November 2024: Shell plc increased its NGL production to support the growing demand for feedstocks in petrochemical manufacturing, particularly in the U.S. and China.