India Surpasses Record LNG Imports from US Amid Global Supply Disruptions

India has imported a record amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US during the first half of this year. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, India imported a total of 155.25 billion cubic feet (BCF) of LNG from the US between January and June 2026. This is an all-time high for the country, with an average monthly import of 25.88 BCF.

The import of LNG from the US has become increasingly important due to the West Asia conflict, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). This has effectively choked off almost half of India's domestic LNG requirement. The SoH is a critical chokepoint for global LNG trade, with approximately 93% of Qatar's and 96% of the UAE's LNG exports transiting through it.

The US has emerged as a key balancing actor in the global LNG market due to its ability to redirect cargoes to markets offering the highest netback prices. This flexibility has enhanced short-term supply responsiveness, according to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. As a result, India's LNG import basket has shifted towards US, African, and non-Qatari Middle East cargoes, reducing its immediate dependence on Qatar.