Resilience in a Changing World

LPG Industry Leadership Forum

 

 

IEA and WLGA hosted the leadership of the global LPG industry, alongside other leaders from across the energy value chain, senior IEA representatives, and delegations from around 17 governments, at the LPG Industry Leadership Forum, held on the afternoon of Thursday 25th June 2026 at the IEA Headquarters in Paris.

LPG Industry Leadership Forum Outcomes

 

WLGA and IEA Host a Forum to discuss LPG Supply Resilience in a High-Risk World

 

On 25th June 2026, the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) jointly hosted the inaugural LPG Leadership Forum at the IEA headquarters in Paris, France.

The forum convened the IEA, LPG industry leaders, international organisations including NATO, and some 17 governments around the world, providing a unique opportunity for engagement in open and constructive dialogue.

The forum marks an important and pivotal milestone in the relationship between the global LPG industry and the IEA, reflecting the growing recognition of LPG’s critical role in strengthening energy security, improving resilience, and expanding access to clean cooking around the world. This also builds on the momentum from the first Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in 2024 where LPG was recognised as a major contributor to the global energy mix.

Mr James Rockall, Managing Director and CEO of the WLGA welcomed the participants, and Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA and Mr Donal Murphy, CEO, DCC Energy and WLGA President opened the discussions with their opening remarks.

The quality of discussion throughout the day was particularly strong. The combination of strategic presentations, industry perspectives and interactive debate encouraged a frank exchange of ideas and highlighted the value of bringing together stakeholders from different regions and markets. Delegates emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogue as the pace of policy and market developments continues to accelerate.

Discussions focused on the critical importance of strategic LPG storage and reserve mechanisms, the protection of critical infrastructure, supply diversification and strengthening national energy resilience, particularly for developing economies and import-dependent markets in Africa.

Participants recognised the vital role LPG plays in supporting energy security as the primary cooking fuel for 3.4 billion people across developing economies. They also focused on the importance of closer collaboration between governments and industry to improve the resilience of global supply chains and reduce the risks posed by future disruptions. The discussions informed ongoing international efforts to strengthen energy resilience, including through a Clean Cooking Security Programme, hosted by the IEA, to identify the policies, investments and partnerships needed to strengthen the resilience of global LPG supply chains. Several governments and private sector representatives expressed their intention to join the task force.

The event strengthened the importance of the industry to not only work closely together but also working closely with key stakeholders such as the IEA. LPG has indeed an essential and unique role and whilst supply must be reliable, we can demonstrate resilience on many levels including flexibility in distribution, strong local infrastructure and enhanced storage. LPG is acknowledged as a practical solution capable of delivering immediate emissions reductions while supporting longer-term energy transition objectives.

This event reinforced the WLGA’s role as a trusted global voice for the liquid gas industry. By uniting senior decision-makers and facilitating evidence-based discussion, the WLGA continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting the industry’s contribution to a secure, resilient and sustainable energy future.

Overall, the Leadership Forum achieved its objectives of strengthening engagement, encouraging strategic dialogue and reinforcing the importance of LPG within the global energy transition. The insights and relationships developed during the event will help inform future advocacy, technical collaboration and member activities, ensuring the industry remains well positioned to contribute to the evolving global energy agenda.

The WLGA extends a sincere thank you to the IEA for its partnership and hospitality. We look forward to productive discussions that will help shape the future of LPG in the global energy transition. We look forward to continuing these critical discussions to maintain momentum during Liquid Gas Week which will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye 12th-16th October 2026.

 

 

“This inaugural LPG Leadership Forum marked a pivotal moment for the global Liquid Gas industry. It brought governments, international organisations, defence and security stakeholders, and industry leaders together to recognise that LPG supply resilience is now an essential element of wider energy and national security. The discussions showed how stronger storage, diversified supply, protected infrastructure and closer public-private cooperation can reduce vulnerability to future disruption. We are grateful to the IEA for its partnership and look forward to turning this dialogue into practical action.”

James Rockall — CEO and Managing Director, World Liquid Gas Association

 

 

“The IEA Forum was an excellent platform for bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of energy security and resilience. As someone representing an import-dependent market like Sri Lanka, I found the discussions both practical and highly relevant. I particularly valued the openness of the dialogue and the collaborative spirit throughout the event. My sincere thanks to the IEA and the WLGA for creating a forum that encourages meaningful partnerships and actionable ideas to strengthen global LPG supply chains and improve energy access.”

Mithila Wegapitya — Vice Chairman, Laugfs Gas

 

 

“The recent IEA Forum could mark a new inflection point for LPG. IEA engagement can help mobilise greater awareness, investment and cooperation in markets urgently seeking reliable, scalable clean-cooking solutions. LPG should be central to that response. While clean cooking is only one segment of the Liquid Gas industry, closer cooperation with the IEA creates a real opportunity to unlock underserved markets and expand access to energy that can transform lives.”

Rob Donaldson — Senior Vice-President, Targa Resources