Global NGL Volumes Seen Rising Through 2035 as North America Leads Growth

Global natural gas liquids volumes are projected to rise through 2035, with North America maintaining the largest share as petrochemical demand and shale gas production support long-term growth.

(P&GJ) — Global natural gas liquids (NGL) volumes are expected to continue rising through 2035, led by North America, as demand from petrochemicals and industrial users supports long-term growth, according to a new market outlook from Towards Chemical and Materials, a sister firm of Precedence Research.

The study estimates global NGL market volume at about 790 million metric tons in 2025 and projects growth to roughly 940 million metric tons by 2035. North America accounted for the largest share of global volumes in 2025, driven by abundant shale gas production and extensive processing and fractionation infrastructure.

Ethane remained the dominant product segment, reflecting strong demand from the petrochemical sector, while natural gas processing plants represented the primary source of NGL supply. Petrochemical feedstock use accounted for the largest application share, underscoring the role of NGLs in plastics, chemicals and industrial manufacturing.

Asia Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth rate over the forecast period, supported by rising electricity demand, expanding industrial activity and government policies favoring cleaner-burning fuels. Growth is also projected across the Middle East, Africa and South America as investments continue in gas processing, storage and pipeline infrastructure.

In the U.S., rising output from shale basins such as the Permian, Eagle Ford and Marcellus is expected to underpin NGL supply growth, while exports of propane and ethane continue to expand into global markets, the report said.