India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) import mix has undergone a major change in recent months, with the United States becoming the country's largest supplier. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India had initially planned to source only a small portion of its LPG requirements from the US, but that share has risen significantly.
IMPORT PLAN EVOLVED
Speaking about India's energy import strategy, Puri said the government had earlier this year decided to procure around 10% of the country's LPG requirements from the United States. He clarified that the decision was taken independently and was not influenced by concerns over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the minister, some had questioned the need for such a move when India already had LPG suppliers located much closer. However, the import pattern has since changed considerably.
"Today I'm happy to inform you that the United States accounts for something like 67% of our LPG imports," Puri said.
US NOW LEADS LPG SUPPLIES
Puri's remarks reflect the significant shift in India's LPG sourcing strategy over a relatively short period. Although India continues to import crude oil and LPG from multiple countries, the United States has now emerged as the largest supplier of LPG.
India relies heavily on imports to meet a substantial share of its energy demand, including LPG, which is extensively used for domestic cooking. Expanding the supplier base is generally viewed as a way to enhance energy security and minimise risks associated with dependence on a single region.
The minister's comments also underscore India's continued emphasis on securing reliable energy supplies while adapting to evolving global market conditions.
