New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) The United States has emerged as India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with its share in the country’s imports rising sharply over the past few months, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday.
Speaking about India’s energy sourcing strategy, Puri said the government had earlier decided to import around 10 per cent of the country’s LPG requirements from the US.
He noted that the decision was taken independently and was not driven by concerns over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
According to the minister, the move had initially raised questions, particularly because India already sourced LPG from suppliers located much closer geographically. However, the country’s import pattern has undergone a significant shift since then.
“Today I’m happy to inform you that the United States accounts for something like 67 per cent of our LPG imports,” Puri said.
Commenting on energy front, Puri said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a historic and bold step towards energy self-reliance.
“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,” the minister stated.
“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.
He further added that for decades, energy security was viewed through the lens of hydrocarbons.
“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,” Puri mentioned.
–IANS
pk
