New Delhi: As reported earlier on October 25, 2025, the Board of Directors of Petronet LNG Limited has officially approved a two-year extension for Managing Director & CEO Akshay Kumar Singh and Director (Technical) Pramod Narang. The decision, endorsed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), underscores the government’s confidence in the duo’s leadership during the company’s most ambitious expansion phase.
Petronet LNG Leadership: Board Approves Extension Backed by Ministry
The Petronet LNG Board, in its meeting held on November 7, 2025, approved the extensions following the Ministry’s recommendation.
While Akshay Kumar Singh’s five-year term was originally set to end in January 2026, and Pramod Narang’s in November 2025, both executives will now continue for an additional two years.
Sources indicate that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had earlier proposed a three-year extension for Singh, citing his proven track record, efficient management, and strategic alignment with government energy objectives.
Singh’s Leadership and Strategic Projects
Akshay Kumar Singh, who assumed charge as MD & CEO of Petronet LNG in November 2020, replacing Prabhat Singh, is widely recognized for his hands-on leadership style and project execution capabilities.
Known in industry circles as a “projects man”, Singh has been instrumental in steering Petronet through a critical growth phase involving over ₹30,000 crore ($3.4 billion) worth of ongoing and planned investments.
Singh’s rapport with Union Minister Hardeep Puri and MoPNG Secretary Pankaj Jain is said to have played a role in ensuring leadership continuity at the top. His proactive, results-driven approach has positioned Petronet strongly amid India’s shifting energy landscape.
Petronet LNG Leadership: Narang’s Extension and Team Continuity
Director (Technical) Pramod Narang will also continue for two more years. His extension, closely tied to Singh’s preference, reflects the management’s emphasis on maintaining operational synergy.
Both executives share a long professional association from their tenure at Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), where Singh served as Director (Pipelines) before moving to Petronet LNG. Singh was reportedly instrumental in facilitating Narang’s move to the company.
Petronet LNG Leadership: Governance Concerns and Policy Deviation
Despite the approval, the extensions have raised questions about procedural compliance.
Under Petronet LNG’s internal governance norms, the selection process for the post of MD or Director must begin at least six months before the end of the incumbent’s term. However, no such process was initiated for either Singh or Narang.
In contrast, the company had followed the due process earlier this year for Director (Finance) Saurav Mitra, whose appointment went through a formal selection route. The deviation in Singh and Narang’s case has sparked speculation within policy circles about selective governance flexibility.
Critical Expansion Phase for Petronet LNG
Petronet LNG, India’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, is currently executing multiple high-value projects to expand its infrastructure footprint and downstream integration.
Key initiatives under Singh’s leadership include:
- A long-term LNG supply agreement with QatarEnergy for 7.5 million tonnes per annum (2028–2048).
- Board approval for the ₹20,685 crore ($2.35 billion) Petrochemical Complex at Dahej, marking Petronet’s entry into petrochemicals.
- Expansion of regasification capacity and storage infrastructure to meet India’s rising gas demand.
- The continuation of the current leadership is expected to ensure strategic continuity in executing these projects and navigating global energy transitions.
Petronet LNG Leadership: Final Approval Pending from PMO
While the Board and the Ministry have approved the extensions, the final confirmation is awaited from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Once cleared, Singh and Narang will continue to guide Petronet through its most capital-intensive phase, ensuring project stability and alignment with India’s long-term energy security goals.
About Petronet LNG
Petronet LNG Limited is a joint venture promoted by India’s leading public sector companies — ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, and GAIL.
It operates two major terminals at Dahej (Gujarat) and Kochi (Kerala), handling a significant portion of India’s total LNG imports.
Apart from regasification, the company provides storage, transportation, and downstream energy solutions, playing a vital role in India’s transition toward a gas-based economy.
