Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) loadings from the US to India have increased, surpassing volumes from traditional Gulf suppliers. A report by S&P Global revealed that India’s weekly LPG imports dropped to 265,000 metric tonnes in the week ending March 19, 2026, down from 322,000 mt in the prior week. The report highlighted India’s efforts to diversify its LPG supply sources, including boosting imports from the US due to concerns about cooking fuel availability.
The Gulf region, which previously accounted for about 60% of India’s LPG consumption, saw a decline in inflows to India. In the week ending March 19, Middle East imports to India fell to 89,000 mt, representing only 34% of total imports — the lowest share since January. Alternative regional supplies surged to 176,000 mt in the same week, up from zero in the previous week when the Middle East dominated imports.
Amid social media reports of LPG shortages and delivery delays, India’s energy system has proven resilient in managing external shocks without compromising household needs. The government ensured uninterrupted LPG supply for domestic users while addressing temporary constraints for commercial sectors like restaurants and hotels. Regulatory measures were implemented to prevent market distortions driven by panic.
Operation Sankalp, led by the Indian Navy, secured the safe passage of merchant vessels in critical areas, while diplomatic efforts facilitated the movement of LPG tankers through disrupted routes. These actions have enabled several LPG shipments to reach Indian ports, alleviating supply concerns.
