Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India’s weekly LPG imports fell to 265,000 tonnes in the week to March 19, from 322,000 tonnes on March 5. West Asia inflows declined to just 89,000 tonnes in the week to March 19, the lowest share since Jan 2026, according to S&P Commodities At Sea (CAS).The report, however, added that alternative regional supplies increased to 176,000 tonnes, largely from the US, in the week to March 19, up from zero the previous week when West Asia accounted for 100% of imports.The report said Indian oil marketing companies are likely to import 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US in 2026. CAS data added that US LPG loadings destined for India are increasing, with volumes now surpassing those from traditional Gulf suppliers. Petroleum ministry officials confirmed that some cargoes from the US had already arrived, but did not specify the number.With officials calling the availability of LPG “worrisome”, India is trying to secure the cooking gas from diversified sources, including Russia and Japan.Officials said some cargoes had already arrived from the US, while oil refineries were deliberating with suppliers across other geographies to bridge the gap created by disruptions in supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. While LPG supplies from West Asia take 7-8 days to reach India, officials said cargoes from the US take about 45 days, while those from Russia and Japan may take 35-40 days.India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement and about 90% of it comes from West Asia.
