Washington becomes India’s largest LNG supplier as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz reshape the country’s energy imports
India has sharply diversified its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies after disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia halted shipments from Qatar, once the country’s leading supplier.
Data from commodity analytics firm Kpler shows India received 858,500 tonnes of LNG from the United States in August, an 18.6% increase from July. The US accounted for about 34.8% of India’s total LNG imports, making it the country’s largest supplier for the month.
Nigeria emerged as the second-largest supplier, sending 540,700 tonnes, an increase of about 84% from July. Oman followed with 524,700 tonnes, while the UAE supplied 244,400 tonnes. Mozambique and Australia also contributed to India’s LNG basket.
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In contrast, Qatar supplied no LNG to India in August
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Before the disruption, Qatar accounted for almost half of India’s LNG imports under long-term supply arrangements
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Petronet LNG has said dozens of contracted Qatari cargoes have been affected by the disruption, with the company previously awaiting clarity on September deliveries
The shift reflects growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Reduced shipping activity and continuing regional tensions have increased the pressure on Asian importers to secure alternative supplies.
India’s overall LNG imports nevertheless rose by about 5.3% in August to roughly 2.46 million tonnes, indicating that additional supplies from non-Gulf producers helped offset the loss of Qatari cargoes.
The latest figures underline India’s broader strategy of diversifying energy sources to reduce exposure to geopolitical disruptions. While Qatar could potentially resume exports, recent market developments suggest the disruption may continue to influence India’s LNG procurement in the near term.
