Supply disruptions in the Gulf prompt India to diversify liquefied natural gas imports amid regional geopolitical tensions
Oman emerged as India’s leading supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in March, surpassing Qatar after disruptions to Gulf energy exports prompted Indian buyers to seek alternative sources.
Data compiled by ICRA showed that India imported 489,000 tonnes of LNG from Oman during the month, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the country’s total LNG imports of 1.63 million tonnes. In comparison, Qatar supplied 128,000 tonnes, representing around 8 per cent of total imports.
The shift follows disruptions affecting Qatar’s LNG production and export operations. Regional tensions, including attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping disturbances linked to the Iran-Qatar conflict, reduced the availability of LNG cargoes from the Gulf state. Operational challenges were also reported at Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar’s key LNG production and export hub.
Qatar has traditionally been India’s largest LNG supplier, typically accounting for more than 40 per cent of the country’s imports. However, the March figures reflect a significant change in sourcing patterns as Indian buyers moved to secure supplies from other exporters.
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The United States supplied 279,000 tonnes of LNG during March, contributing around 17 per cent of India’s imports
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Nigeria delivered 270,000 tonnes, while the United Arab Emirates supplied 192,000 tonnes, accounting for about 12 per cent of the total
Oman’s position was strengthened by the location of its LNG export facilities, which are situated outside the Strait of Hormuz. This enabled shipments to continue with fewer disruptions than those affecting trade routes through the strategically important waterway.
Despite the decline in March exports, Qatar remained India’s largest LNG supplier over the broader April 2025 to February 2026 period. Of the 25.98 million tonnes of LNG imported by India during those 11 months, Qatar supplied 10.74 million tonnes, representing a 41 per cent share.
The United States and the UAE each accounted for 11 per cent of imports during the period, while Nigeria and Angola supplied 8 per cent each. Oman contributed 7 per cent.
The latest import data highlights how geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia is reshaping global LNG trade flows and encouraging major energy consumers such as India to diversify supply sources to strengthen energy security.
