New Delhi: The US and Iran emerged as India's top two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers in May, together accounting for nearly two-thirds of imports, even as the ongoing conflict between the two countries continued to disrupt global energy flows.LPG supplies from the US more than doubled to 666,000 tonnes in May compared to February's level, making up 55% of India's imports during the month, according to energy cargo tracker Kpler."As the world's largest LPG producer and exporter, the US is emerging as an alternative supplier for Indian buyers during this period of uncertainty," said Nikhil Dubey, lead analyst-refining at Kpler. "Unless supply conditions in West Asia normalise, US LPG is likely to remain a key source of incremental supply for India, with import volumes expected to stay strong in the near term."Also Read: Crude, LPG supply to India smoothens in May after two glitchy months; LNG supply beats pre-war levelsThe US was not a significant player in India's LPG market until last year, when Indian state refiners signed annual purchase deals with American suppliers covering around 10% of the country's LPG imports. Supplies began in January, but the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz accelerated purchases from the US, giving it an outsized share of India's imports.West Asia - primarily the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait - accounted for 90% of LPG imports before the war. But supplies from these traditional partners have fallen sharply since the US-Israel war against Iran started on February 28. At the same time, imports from Iran, with which India's energy trade ceased seven years ago under US pressure, resumed in March.Iran supplied 145,000 tonnes of LPG in May, making it India's second-largest supplier after the US and accounting for about 12% of total imports.India also sourced cargoes from countries that rarely supplied LPG to the country in the past. Australia, Russia, Argentina, Congo, Angola, Nigeria and Cameroon all shipped small volumes to India.India's overall LPG imports increased 25% month-on-month in May but remained 40% lower than February's level.
India imports 55% of LPG from the US, 12% from Iran in May
India's LPG imports saw a significant shift in May. The United States became the largest supplier, providing over half of the country's needs. Iran also emerged as a key source, resuming trade after seven years. These changes reflect global energy market disruptions. India is diversifying its LPG sources to ensure supply stability.
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