India Resumes Iran LPG Imports

India has purchased its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in several years, following a temporary lifting of sanctions on Iran's oil and refined fuels by the United States. This decision comes as India faces its worst gas crisis in decades, exacerbated by disruptions in energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. The sanctioned tanker Aurora, carrying Iranian LPG, is expected to arrive at the port of Mangalore. The cargo, initially bound for China, will be shared among three state-run fuel retailers: Indian Oil Corporation, Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. Payment for the cargo will be made in rupees, and India is exploring further purchases of Iranian LPG. This move highlights India's efforts to secure its energy needs and diversify its import sources amidst geopolitical tensions, despite some official statements indicating unawareness of the purchases.