India’s LPG Imports from US Hit Record 1 Million Tonnes in June Amid West Asia Disruption

Record LPG Imports from the United States India’s imports of LPG from the U.S. are set to cross 1 million metric tonnes in June 2026, the highest ever recorded. The surge comes as New Delhi shifts away from traditional West Asian sources after the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Key Developments June 2026: Expected U.S. LPG arrivals of 1.1‑1.2 million tonnes . May 2026: Imports rose from 648,300 tonnes (U.S.) and 134,700 tonnes (UAE) after a dip to 696,000 tonnes in April. Indian refiners bought large volumes on the spot market at premium rates to keep cooking‑gas supplies uninterrupted. Government urged refiners to maximise piped gas connections and to prioritise household LPG sales. UAE shipments are recovering to 300,000‑400,000 tonnes per month; Kuwait will supply about 45,000 tonnes in June. Important Facts Before the disruption, West Asia accounted for roughly 90 % of India’s LPG imports , amounting to about 2 million tonnes per month . The closure of the waterway forced New Delhi to accelerate purchases from the U.S., where spot premiums rose sharply. Data from the market‑intelligence firm Kpler shows that in May, India imported 145,000 tonnes from Iran and limited volumes from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Preliminary June figures indicate imports of 1.07 million tonnes from the U.S., 223,800 tonnes from the UAE, 116,200 tonnes from Iran and 108,600 tonnes from Kuwait, with smaller consignments expected from other Gulf and African exporters. UPSC Relevance The episode illustrates the interplay of energy security , geopolitics and trade policy**. Aspirants should note how a regional conflict (the U.S.–Iran tension) can disrupt a critical supply chain, prompting a shift in import strategy. It also highlights the government's role in managing domestic consumption—through measures like encouraging piped gas connections and controlling spot‑market premiums. Understanding these dynamics is essential for GS‑3 (Economy) questions on energy policy, as well as GS‑2 (Polity) topics on international relations and strategic waterways. Way Forward Analysts expect the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore West Asian LPG flows, which should ease price pressures. In the meantime, India is likely to maintain diversified sourcing, continue spot purchases when needed, and accelerate the rollout of piped gas connections to reduce dependence on imported LPG cylinders.