The India LPG crisis has intensified as imports dropped sharply to 765,000 tonnes in March, down from 2.05 million tonnes in February, according to ship-tracking data from Kpler.
The decline follows the disruption of energy flows due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for India’s LPG imports.
India LPG crisis Driven by Heavy Dependence on Gulf Supplies
The India LPG crisis is closely linked to the country’s dependence on Gulf nations.
Nearly 90% of India’s LPG imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a vital energy corridor. However, the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has disrupted this supply chain.
As a result, India is now actively working to diversify its LPG import sources.
India LPG shortage: Argentina Supplies Resume
To address theIndia LPG crisis, India has resumed LPG imports from Argentina after a two-month gap.
Imports from Argentina reached 7,575 tonnes in March, compared to 21,945 tonnes in December, the last recorded shipment.
This move highlights India’s effort to secure alternative supply sources amid global disruptions.
India LPG crisis: UAE and Qatar Supplies Decline
The India LPG shortage has worsened due to reduced supplies from key Gulf exporters.
- UAE (largest supplier): 222,000 tonnes in March (down from 613,000 tonnes in February)
- Qatar (second-largest): 185,000 tonnes (down 43%)
The sharp decline from these suppliers has significantly impacted overall availability.
India LPG shortage: US Supply Also Drops
The United States ranked as the third-largest LPG supplier to India in March.
However, shipments declined to 159,000 tonnes, compared to 305,000 tonnes in February, further tightening supply conditions.
Conclusion
The India LPG shortage continues to deepen as global supply disruptions and falling imports put pressure on the country’s energy security.
India’s shift toward alternative suppliers like Argentina may offer temporary relief, but long-term diversification remains crucial.
