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Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Market

Published Date : Jul 2024 | Forecast Year : 2019

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Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Market Size, Share, Industry Trends Segmentation Analysis, By Type (Ethane, Propane, Butane, Isobutane, Natural Gasoline), By Application (Petrochemical Feedstock, Residential Heating, Industrial Fuel, Motor Fuel, Others) Growth, Demand, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2024- 2032

Report ID: AG1012

Published : Jul 2024

Pages : 128

Category : Energy & Power

Format : Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Market

REPORT ATTRIBUTEDETAILS
MARKET SIZE (2032)USD 35 Billion
MARKET SIZE (2023)USD 21 Billion
CAGR (2023-2029)6%
HISTORIC YEAR2019
BASE YEAR2023
FORECAST YEAR2032
BY TYPEEthane
Propane
Butane
Isobutane
Natural Gasoline
BY APPLICATIONPetrochemical Feedstock
Residential Heating
Industrial Fuel
Motor Fuel
Others
GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSISNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
KEY PLAYERSExxonMobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc, BP plc, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Total S.A., Enterprise Products Partners L.P., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Williams Companies, Inc., Targa Resources Corp., ONEOK, Inc., Phillips 66, Enbridge Inc., Cheniere Energy, Inc., Energy Transfer LP, Kinder Morgan, Inc., Pembina Pipeline Corporation, MPLX LP, Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., DCP Midstream, LP.

Market Overview

Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Market Size was valued at USD 21 Billion in 2023. The Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Market industry is projected to grow from USD 21.9 Billion in 2024 to USD 35 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

The market for natural gas liquids (NGLs) plays a crucial role in the global energy sector, comprising a range of hydrocarbon products obtained from natural gas processing and crude oil refining. NGLs, such as ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline, are vital raw materials for petrochemical manufacturing, residential heating, fuel, and blending agents in gasoline. The market is primarily fueled by the diverse applications of NGLs in various industries and their contribution to bolstering energy security and economic development.

The worldwide NGLs market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by escalating energy requirements, the expanding petrochemical sector, and advancements in natural gas extraction technologies like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. North America, especially the United States, leads the market due to its extensive shale gas reserves and well-established NGLs infrastructure. Other key regions include the Middle East, with its abundant natural gas reserves, and Asia-Pacific, propelled by increasing industrialization and energy consumption. The market is characterized by fluctuating prices influenced by crude oil prices, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical factors.

Market Dynamics

Trends: Investment Surge in NGL Infrastructure and Advanced Technologies

The NGLs market is experiencing a shift towards increased investment in infrastructure development, such as pipelines, storage facilities, and export terminals, to improve the efficiency of the supply chain and meet the growing global demand. Moreover, there is a rising emphasis on incorporating advanced technologies for the efficient extraction, processing, and transportation of NGLs.

Restraints: Price Volatility, Geopolitical Tensions, and Regulatory Hurdles in the NGL Sector

Market expansion is hindered by price volatility caused by fluctuations in crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply-demand imbalances. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions related to natural gas extraction and processing also present obstacles for market growth.

Opportunities: Opportunities in Asia-Pacific and Latin America Through Industrialization and Technological Advances

Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, provide significant growth opportunities driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing energy consumption. Technological advancements in extraction and processing, as well as the development of new applications for NGLs, offer avenues for market expansion.

Challenges: Infrastructure Bottlenecks, Capital Demands, and Regulatory Hurdles

The NGLs market encounters challenges associated with infrastructure bottlenecks, especially in developing regions, and the necessity for substantial capital investment in extraction, processing, and transportation facilities. Additionally, competition from alternative energy sources and the need to comply with stringent environmental regulations contribute to operational complexities.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent companies in the market are making substantial investments in research and development to broaden their product offerings, thereby facilitating further growth in the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Market. Participants in this sector are also engaging in various strategic initiatives to enhance their market presence, with significant developments including the introduction of new products, formation of contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and partnerships with other entities. To thrive and remain competitive in an evolving market environment, the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Industry must provide cost-effective solutions.

One of the primary strategies employed by manufacturers in the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) sector is local production, aimed at reducing operational costs to benefit consumers and expand market share. In recent years, the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) industry has delivered considerable advantages to the pharmaceutical sector. Key players in the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Market, such as Exxon Mobil Corporation, Lukoil, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Range Resources Corporation, Saudi Arabian Oil Co., and Shell Plc, are striving to boost market demand through investments in research and development activities.

Key Players

Organizations are adopting a range of strategies, including strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and the introduction of new products and services, to strengthen their market presence.

  • BP plc - United Kingdom
  • ExxonMobil Corporation - United States
  • Royal Dutch Shell plc - Netherlands/United Kingdom
  • Chevron Corporation - United States
  • ConocoPhillips - United States
  • Total S.A. - France
  • Enterprise Products Partners L.P. - United States
  • Occidental Petroleum Corporation - United States
  • Williams Companies, Inc. - United States
  • Shell plc - United Kingdom (same as Royal Dutch Shell plc, Shell plc is the new name for Royal Dutch Shell)
  • Range Resources Corporation - United States
  • Devon Energy Corporation - United States
  • Targa Resources Corp. - United States
  • Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) - Saudi Arabia
  • ONEOK, Inc. - United States
  • Exxon Mobil Corporation - United States (duplicate of ExxonMobil Corporation)
  • Phillips 66 - United States
  • Enbridge Inc. - Canada
  • Cheniere Energy, Inc. - United States
  • Energy Transfer LP - United States
  • Lukoil - Russia
  • Kinder Morgan, Inc. - United States
  • Pembina Pipeline Corporation - Canada
  • MPLX LP - United States
  • Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. - United States
  • DCP Midstream, LP - United States

Recent Development

  • In March 2023, Saudi Aramco announced record profits of $161 billion as gasoline prices skyrocketed following the Corona-virus pandemic. The figures outperformed ExxonMobil and Shell, which announced profits of $55.7 billion and $39.9 billion, respectively.
  • Enterprise Products Partners (August 2024): Enterprise Products Partners has announced a significant expansion of its NGL pipeline infrastructure. This new project aims to increase the capacity for transporting ethane and propane from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast. The expansion is designed to meet the growing demand for NGLs and enhance the efficiency of their supply chain. With this development, Enterprise Products Partners is positioning itself to better serve its customers and improve its logistical capabilities in the NGL sector.
  • Kinder Morgan (July 2024): Kinder Morgan has completed a major upgrade to its NGL fractionation facilities located in Mont Belvieu, Texas. This upgrade enhances the company's processing capacity for propane and butane, reflecting its commitment to addressing rising market demand. By increasing its fractionation capabilities, Kinder Morgan aims to support higher production volumes and offer more efficient services in the NGL market. This development underscores Kinder Morgan’s focus on improving infrastructure to better serve its clients and capitalize on market opportunities.
  • Targa Resources (June 2024): Targa Resources has announced the development of a new NGL storage and logistics facility in the Permian Basin. This facility is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance its infrastructure and service offerings in the region. The new facility is expected to streamline NGL transportation and storage, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in handling NGL products. Targa Resources' investment in this infrastructure highlights its commitment to supporting the growing production of natural gas liquids and meeting market demands more effectively.
  • Pioneer Natural Resources (May 2024): Pioneer Natural Resources has entered into a strategic partnership to develop a new NGL processing plant in West Texas. This partnership aims to leverage the region’s growing production of natural gas liquids, enhancing Pioneer’s ability to process and transport NGLs. The new plant is expected to lead to cost savings and increased revenue, reflecting the company's proactive approach to expanding its processing capabilities. This development highlights Pioneer Natural Resources’ focus on optimizing its operations and capitalizing on the opportunities within the NGL market.

Market Segmentation

Product Type: Ethane Leads Dominance While Butane Shows Significant Growth Potential

The market is categorized into ethane, propane, butane, and pentane plus. Ethane is projected to dominate the market share throughout the forecast period. Its increasing utilization in the petrochemical sector, the establishment of large-scale ethylene crackers for ethylene production, and rising investments in downstream industries are anticipated to propel the segment's growth in the forthcoming years.

Conversely, butane is expected to experience considerable growth in the market during the forecast period. Elements such as its significant replacement potential, extensive applications across diverse sectors, lower carbon emissions, and the rising demand for LPG are likely to contribute to the expansion of this segment in the upcoming years.

Application: Petrochemical Feedstock Dominates, While Space Heating and Industrial Investments Drive Growth

The market is divided into several segments, including petrochemical feedstock, space heating, blend stock, and others. In 2022, petrochemical feedstock accounted for over 45% of the market share and is projected to maintain the largest share throughout the forecast period. The rising emphasis on environmental conservation, along with ongoing assessments of alternative fuel utilization, is anticipated to enhance overall industry expansion in the forthcoming years.

 

Moreover, the market is expected to benefit from increased investments in the industrial sector, alongside a growing demand for synthetic rubber, polyethylene, and polypropylene, which are essential for the production of plastics, tires, and various other products. This trend is likely to propel the growth of the natural gas liquid market during the forecast period.

 

Additionally, the space heating segment is projected to experience substantial growth. The heightened focus on clean energy solutions, combined with the increasing demand for efficient and energy-saving systems, is expected to drive market expansion. Furthermore, the rising population and growing awareness of sustainable building practices are likely to further accelerate market growth in the coming years.

Region:

The Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) market is a critical segment of the energy industry, driven by the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane. North America, particularly the U.S., dominates the market due to its vast natural gas reserves and advanced extraction technologies, bolstered by the shale gas boom. The Middle East also plays a significant role, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar leading in production and export, particularly to the growing Asia-Pacific market, where industrial demand is rising. Europe maintains moderate demand, primarily for petrochemicals and heating, though environmental regulations may influence future growth. Key trends include technological advancements in extraction, expanding infrastructure, and a focus on balancing supply with sustainability.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

  • Ethane
  • Propane
  • Butane
  • Isobutane
  • Natural Gasoline

By Application

  • Petrochemical Feedstock
  • Residential Heating
  • Industrial Fuel
  • Motor Fuel
  • Others

By Source

  • Natural Gas Processing
  • Crude Oil Refining

By Form

  • Liquefied Form
  • Gaseous Form

By End-User

  • Petrochemical Industry
  • Residential Sector
  • Industrial Sector
  • Transportation Sector
  • Commercial Sector

Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales
  • Retail
  • Distribution Networks

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa

Value Chain

The dynamics of the NGLs market value chain involve various stages, such as extraction, processing, transportation, storage, and distribution. Natural gas is extracted and processed to separate NGLs, which are then transported, stored, and distributed to end-users, including petrochemical plants, residential consumers, and industrial sectors.

Supply Chain

The supply chain includes raw material suppliers, processing plants, logistics providers, storage facilities, and end-users. Effective supply chain management ensures timely procurement, efficient processing, reliable transportation, and consistent supply of NGLs to meet market demand. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to address challenges, optimize operations, and enhance market reach.

Conclusion

The natural gas liquids market is set for continuous expansion, fueled by rising energy needs, technological progress, and wider usage in different sectors. Despite obstacles like fluctuating prices, regulatory restrictions, and infrastructure constraints, the market offers substantial growth potential through opportunities in new markets and advancements in extraction and processing. To stay competitive and capitalize on growth opportunities in the changing energy sector, major players need to prioritize improving operational efficiency, sustainability, and forming strategic partnerships.

FAQs

What are natural gas liquids (NGLs)?

Ans: NGLs are hydrocarbon products derived from natural gas processing and crude oil refining, including ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline.

What are the primary uses of NGLs?

Ans: NGLs are used as petrochemical feedstocks, residential heating fuels, industrial fuels, motor fuels, and blending components in gasoline.

Which regions dominate the NGL market?

Ans: North America, particularly the United States, dominates the market, followed by the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, driven by abundant natural gas resources and extensive infrastructure.

What factors are driving the growth of the NGL market?

Ans: Factors driving market growth include increasing energy demand, expanding petrochemical industry, advancements in extraction technologies, and rising industrialization.

What challenges does the NGL market face?

Ans: Challenges include price volatility, environmental concerns, regulatory restrictions, infrastructure limitations, and competition from alternative energy sources.

How do fluctuations in crude oil prices affect the NGL market?

Ans: Fluctuations in crude oil prices impact the pricing, supply-demand dynamics, and investment decisions in the NGL market, influencing profitability and market stability.

What are the opportunities for the NGL market in emerging regions?

Ans: Opportunities lie in rapid industrialization, urbanization, increasing energy consumption, and infrastructure development in regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

How is technology shaping the NGL market?

Ans: Technological advancements in extraction and processing, such as hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and cryogenic processing, are enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and driving market growth.

Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Market - Global Outlook & Forecast -

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