New Delhi — The United States has become India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas, accounting for about 67% of the country’s LPG imports, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
Puri said India had earlier decided to source roughly 10% of its LPG requirements from the United States as part of a broader effort to diversify energy supplies.
He said the decision was made independently and was not prompted by concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
The move initially raised questions because India already imported LPG from countries located much closer geographically. However, Puri said the country’s sourcing pattern has changed significantly 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.
The minister also highlighted the government’s push to expand domestic hydrocarbon exploration through the Rs 84,000 crore “Samudra Manthan” initiative, which is aimed at accelerating deep-sea exploration.
“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,” Puri said.
He said the program could significantly strengthen India’s domestic energy production and improve its standing in the global energy sector.
“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.
Puri said India’s approach to energy security has also expanded beyond traditional hydrocarbons to include a wider mix of energy sources, stronger infrastructure, strategic reserves and international partnerships.
“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,” he said. (Source: IANS)
