This study is based on the 115 sector classification input-output tables for India for the years 1983-84, 1989-90 and 1993-94. Calculated total primary energy intensities along,with private final consumption expenditures are used as a basis for determining the indirect energy requirements of Indian households. Results reveal that total household energy consumption is about evenly divided between direct and indirect energy and together comprises 75% of the total energy consumption of India. Most of household energy consumed directly is still non-commercial and the consumption of food is responsible for about half the indirect energy consumption. Household energy requirements have increased significantly, both in total and per capita terms over this time period. The commercial component of direct household energy consumption and the indirect energy requirements have increased continuously. The main drivers of this increase hake been ( 1) the growing expenditures per capita, (2) population and (3) increasing energy intensity in the food and agricultural sectors.