Our Bureau
New Delhi
India is rapidly diversifying its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies as shipments from Qatar, once its largest supplier, fell to zero in August amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The United States emerged as India’s biggest LNG supplier during the month, while Nigeria became the second-largest source, according to data from commodity analytics firm Kpler.
India imported 858,500 tonnes of LNG from the US in August, an 18.6% increase from July’s 723,800 tonnes. US supplies accounted for around 35% of India’s LNG imports. Nigeria supplied 540,700 tonnes, up 84% from the previous month, accounting for 22% of total imports.
Overall, India’s LNG imports rose 5.2% to 2.5 million tonnes in August, compared with 2.3 million tonnes in July. Oman supplied 524,700 tonnes, while the UAE contributed 244,400 tonnes. Mozambique and Australia were among the other suppliers.
The shift comes as disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict and attacks affecting energy infrastructure have complicated supplies from the Gulf. Qatar, which previously accounted for about 45% of India’s gas imports, has faced disruptions after an attack on its Ras Laffan Industrial City in March.
Qatar accounts for about 19% of global LNG supply, and restoring its full capacity could take months.
The developments highlight India’s growing focus on energy-source diversification.
Analysts, however, warn that LNG remains more vulnerable than crude oil to Gulf supply and shipping disruptions because short-term substitution options are limited. With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continuing, India’s broader energy security strategy is increasingly centred on maintaining multiple sources of supply.