India increases US energy imports amid West Asia supply disruptions

India has significantly increased its imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States due to supply disruptions in West Asia. Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler indicates that US LPG imports reached approximately 0.62 million tonnes in August, following 0.89 million tonnes in July. These volumes now account for more than 73 per cent of India’s total LPG imports.

The shift follows a sharp decline in supplies from traditional Gulf partners, such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, amid geopolitical tensions and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While Qatar has historically been a major supplier, its LNG shipments to India fell to zero in April, prompting a rise in US-sourced LNG, which reached about 0.75 million tonnes in August.

Analysts suggest the pivot is driven by the need to secure replacement cargoes and diversify energy sources as Middle Eastern availability remains constrained by regional conflict.