Exxon Mobil Corp. left its outlook for global energy demand mostly unchanged on Tuesday, even as plunging oil prices have prompted energy companies to reduce their budgets and added pressure on countries that rely on oil revenue. n its yearly outlook report on the industry, the oil giant affirmed its view that global energy demand will grow 35% by 2040, due to significant global growth in the middle class, an additional 2 billion people in the world and increased strength in emerging economies. It added, however, oil and natural gas will meet about 65% of global demand growth in 2040, up from last year’s prediction of 60%. Exxon again said natural gas will continue to be the fastest-growing major fuel source, although rise of nuclear energy is expected to jump. Globally, Asia is expected to overtake Europe as the world’s largest gas importer, as production in the region doubles and demand nearly triples. North America, meanwhile, is likely to become a net exporter of liquids by 2020, Exxon said, due to increasing supplies of natural gas liquids and bitumen from oil sands.