US Emerges as India’s Largest LPG Supplier as Import Share Jumps to 67%

New Delhi — The United States has become India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas, accounting for about 67% of the country’s LPG imports, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Friday.

Puri said the shift follows an earlier government decision to source roughly 10% of India’s LPG requirements from the United States as part of a broader effort to diversify energy supplies.

He said the decision was made independently and was not prompted by concerns about potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global energy supplies.

The move initially raised questions because India traditionally purchased LPG from suppliers located much closer to the country. Since then, however, the composition of India’s LPG imports has changed substantially.

“Today I’m happy to inform you that the United States accounts for something like 67 per cent of our LPG imports,” Puri said.

The minister also highlighted the government’s push to expand domestic energy production through the Rs 84,000 crore “Samudra Manthan” initiative, which is aimed at accelerating deep-sea hydrocarbon exploration.

“Through the Rs 84,000 crore ‘Samudra Manthan’ mission, hydrocarbon exploration in the deep sea will be given unprecedented momentum. This is not just an investment, but the greatest proof of faith in India’s energy future,” Puri said.

He said the initiative could significantly strengthen India’s position in the global energy sector while reducing its dependence on overseas supplies.

“Undoubtedly, the ‘Samudra Manthan’ mission will write a transformative chapter in India’s energy sector. It will take India to new heights on the global energy map. This nectar emerging from Samudra Manthan will infuse new strength into India’s energy self-reliance,” he added.

Puri said India’s approach to energy security has also broadened beyond traditional hydrocarbons, with greater emphasis on diversified energy sources, resilient infrastructure, strategic reserves and alternative fuels.

“Today, India has moved beyond that dependence by diversifying energy sources, building resilient infrastructure, forging trusted partnerships, creating strategic reserves, embracing alternative fuels, and strengthening our ability to protect citizens from external disruptions,” he said. (Source: IANS)