India is the fourth-largest energy consumer in the world, trailing only the United States, China, and Russia. In 2012 India had the tenth-largest economy in the world as measured in 2012 U.S. dollars (converted at official exchange rates), and the third largest economy in the world when GDP is adjusted for inflation and purchasing power. This inflation-adjusted GDP has grown at over 7% per year since 2000, although it slowed to just over 5% in 2012 according to the Indian Central Statistical Organization. As a result, the growth rate for total energy consumption likely fell from prior-year levels. However, forecasts suggest higher real GDP growth in 2013, which EIA expects to be accompanied with greater growth in energy consumption. EIA projects India and China to account for the lion's share of Asia's energy demand growth through 2035.
India's energy policy is focused on securing adequate energy resources to meet the growing demands of its economy. Primary energy consumption more than doubled between 1990 and 2011. India's dependence on imported energy resources and its inconsistent energy sector reform may make it difficult to satisfy rising demand. Despite its growing energy use, India's per capita energy consumption remains much lower than that of developed countries, such as the United States.
Other aspects of the Indian energy industry include:
For more information on the Indian energy industry, see EIA's Country Analysis Brief on India.
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