Oman Becomes India’s Top LNG Supplier in September

Oman has surpassed the United States to become India’s top supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in September, marking a shift in the country’s energy import strategy. According to data from Kpler, India imported 585,000 tonnes of LNG from Oman last month, an 11.6% increase from August, securing a 27% share of total LNG imports. The US, which led in August with 848,000 tonnes, saw a 59% decline in exports to India, dropping to third place with just 16% of September’s imports. Nigeria rose to the second spot with 351,000 tonnes, though this was a 35% decrease from the previous month.

Qatar, once India’s dominant LNG supplier with a 45% market share, fell to sixth place, delivering only 94,000 tonnes in September. The UAE and Angola followed with 311,000 tonnes and 205,000 tonnes, respectively. The decline in Qatari supplies was attributed to disruptions caused by Iran’s strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City in March, a critical LNG production hub. Overall, India’s LNG imports decreased by 14% month-on-month, from 2.5 million tonnes in August to 2.17 million tonnes in September.

Natural gas is essential for India’s fertiliser production, industrial heating, power generation, and urban transportation. With nearly half of its LNG needs imported, India has been diversifying its energy sources to mitigate geopolitical risks. Suppliers now include Canada, Algeria, the US, and emerging producers like Mozambique and Brazil. However, analysts warn that LNG and LPG imports remain more vulnerable to supply disruptions in the Gulf due to limited short-term alternatives.

The Indian government has ramped up efforts to diversify its energy sourcing across LNG, LPG, and crude oil. While crude oil imports are relatively insulated due to diversified sourcing, LNG and LPG imports face greater risks from supply and shipping disruptions in the Gulf region.