US becomes India's largest LPG supplier as import share surges to 67 pc: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi, Aug 7
The United States has emerged as India's largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas, with its share in the country's imports rising sharply over the past few months, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday.
Speaking about India's energy sourcing strategy, Puri said the government had earlier decided to import around 10 per cent of the country's LPG requirements from the US.
He noted that the decision was taken independently and was not driven by concerns over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
According to the minister, the move had initially raised questions, particularly because India already sourced LPG from suppliers located much closer geographically. However, the country's import pattern has undergone a significant shift since then.
"Today I'm happy to inform you that the United States accounts for something like 67 per cent of our LPG imports," Puri said.
Commenting on energy front, Puri said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a historic and bold step towards energy self-reliance.
"Through the Rs 84,000 crore 'Samudra Manthan' mission, hydrocarbon exploration in the deep sea will be given unprecedented momentum. This is not just an investment, but the greatest proof of faith in India's energy future," the minister stated.
"Undoubtedly, the 'Samudra Manthan' mission will write a transformative chapter in India's energy sector. It will take India to new heights on the global energy map. This nectar emerging from Samudra Manthan will infuse new strength into India's energy self-reliance," he added.
He further added that for decades, energy security was viewed through the lens of hydrocarbons.
"Today, India has moved beyond that dependence by diversifying energy sources, building resilient infrastructure, forging trusted partnerships, creating strategic reserves, embracing alternative fuels, and strengthening our ability to protect citizens from external disruptions," Puri mentioned.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's interesting to see the US becoming such a major supplier. Does this mean we're moving away from the Gulf region? Geopolitically it makes sense but the logistics and costs need to be carefully analyzed. Hopefully the common consumer benefits from this shift.
The Samudra Manthan mission is a game-changer! We've been too dependent on foreign energy for too long. With Rs 84,000 crore investment in deep-sea exploration, we can finally look at energy self-reliance. Let's hope this transforms India's energy landscape like the mythological Samudra Manthan did for the gods!
While diversification is good, 67% dependence on a single country (US) for LPG imports could be risky too. What if there are trade tensions or shipping disruptions on the Atlantic route? We should be careful not to just shift from one dependency to another.
Great move by the Modi government! Energy security is national security. The Samudra Manthan mission shows the commitment to make India 'Atmanirbhar' in energy. Combined with renewable energy growth, this is the right direction forward. Jai Hind! 🙏
As an observer, I find this strategic shift quite pragmatic. The US has surplus LPG due to shale gas boom, and India needs reliable suppliers. The Strait of Hormuz risk is real, so having an alternative source makes sense. Sensible energy policy!
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