India shifts energy imports to US

India has sharply increased imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States as the conflict in West Asia, including the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States, constrains supplies from traditional Gulf suppliers. According to Kpler data, India imported about 0.62 million tonnes of LPG from the US in August, following 0.89 million tonnes in July, accounting for over 73% of its LPG imports. Gulf supplies fell sharply, with UAE LPG imports dropping to about 140,000 tonnes in August, Qatar to around 60,000 tonnes, and Saudi Arabia supplying none in July or August. LNG imports from Qatar, historically India's largest source, fell to zero in April, while US LNG supplies rose to about 0.75 million tonnes in August. The shift is driven by constrained Middle Eastern availability and the need for diversification, but it raises import costs due to longer voyages, higher freight, and tighter global availability. In crude oil, Russia remains India's largest supplier at almost 2 million barrels per day in August, while Venezuela has become an increasingly important source, with imports of 383,000 barrels per day. UAE crude flows have remained resilient due to pipeline infrastructure and logistics outside the Strait of Hormuz. The diversification improves supply resilience but comes at a cost, with India paying a premium for supply security.