India turns to Iran for oil and gas imports as first Iranian tanker arrives in Mangalore A significant development in India’s energy strategy has unfolded with the arrival of the first Iranian tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to dock in Mangalore. This marks a renewed effort by India to secure fuel supplies from Iran amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader US-Iran conflict. The move is closely tied to the US government’s recent decision to allow the sale of Iranian crude oil already at sea, creating a temporary window for countries like India to purchase discounted supplies and mitigate shortages. The decision by Washington to grant a waiver for Iranian crude oil shipments has opened a narrow opportunity for Indian refiners and importers to capitalize on the situation. Industry analysts predict India will emerge as one of the top buyers in the coming weeks, alongside China, as the global energy market grapples with supply disruptions. Sumit Ritolia, a lead analyst at Kpler, noted that the potential return of Iranian crude to India is gaining momentum, positioning the country as a key player in the region’s energy dynamics. The renewed interest in Iranian supplies is directly linked to the severe disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation. Attacks on shipping lanes and the ongoing conflict have made transit through the strait increasingly dangerous, prompting Tehran to restrict access to select vessels, including those linked to India. This has exacerbated supply shortages and driven up energy prices, with Brent crude reaching over $100 per barrel—a sharp increase from pre-conflict levels of around $60.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #mangalore #sumit_ritolia
India buys first Iran LPG cargo in years after U.S. eases sanctions, sources say India has acquired its first shipment of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas in years following the U.S. temporary removal of sanctions on Tehran’s oil and refined fuels, according to trade data and industry sources. The sanctioned tanker Aurora, carrying Iranian LPG, is expected to arrive at Mangalore’s west coast port soon, sources confirmed to Reuters and LSEG. This marks a significant shift after India had avoided Iranian energy purchases since 2019 due to Western sanctions. Initially bound for China, the shipment now reflects India’s efforts to secure energy supplies amid regional tensions. The decision comes amid disruptions to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. India, already grappling with a severe gas crisis, has faced challenges in maintaining stable energy imports. The government has prioritized household access to cooking gas by restricting industrial supplies, while the nation’s LPG demand remains high. Last year, India consumed 33.15 million metric tons of LPG, with 60% of its needs met through imports, predominantly from West Asia. The Iranian LPG cargo will be distributed among three major Indian fuel retailers: Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Purchased through a trader, the shipment will be paid for in rupees, sources noted. India is also exploring further purchases of Iranian LPG, though officials remain cautious. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, a federal shipping ministry official, stated he was unaware of any Iranian cargo being acquired, emphasizing that “no loaded cargoes from Iran” had been reported.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #indian_oil_corp #mangalore
India buys first LPG cargo from Iran in years amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions India has reportedly purchased liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran for the first time in several years, following a 30-day sanctions waiver granted by the Trump administration to stabilize energy prices. The move comes as the country faces significant disruptions to energy supplies routed through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The tanker carrying the cargo, initially destined for China, is now en route to India’s west coast port of Mangalore. The sanctioned vessel Aurora, transporting Iranian LPG, is expected to arrive at Mangalore today, according to sources cited by Reuters. The cargo was procured through a trader, with payment to be made in Indian rupees. Officials indicated that India is also considering additional purchases of Iranian LPG, highlighting the growing urgency to secure energy supplies amid the crisis. India, the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, is grappling with its worst gas supply crunch in decades. The government has had to cut allocations to industries to prioritize household cooking fuel needs. Last year, the country consumed 33.15 million metric tonnes of LPG, with imports meeting roughly 60% of demand. Most of these imports originated from the Middle East, but the Strait of Hormuz disruptions have severely impacted supply chains. Efforts to clear stranded LPG cargoes in the Strait of Hormuz are underway. Four tankers—Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Pine Gas, and Jag Vasant—have already been moved, while India has begun loading LPG onto empty vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of the supply crisis, which has led to shortages and empty fuel pumps in some regions.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #trump_administration #mangalore
