Archive · 25 Sep 2026
India Turns to Record US LNG Imports Amid Hormuz Disruption
India bought more natural gas from the United States than ever before during the first half of 2026.
Natural gas is cooled into a liquid so it can be transported by ship.
Fighting in West Asia damaged Qatar’s LNG facilities and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
This affected a large part of the LNG that India normally uses.
The United States helped fill some of the gap by sending more LNG cargoes.
India imported 155.25 billion cubic feet from the US between January and June.
During May-July, the US supplied more LNG to India than any other country.
India also bought more from countries such as Nigeria, Oman and Angola.
India imported a record 155.25 billion cubic feet of US LNG from January through June 2026.
US LNG imports averaged 25.88 billion cubic feet per month in the first half of 2026.
The West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted supplies covering roughly half of India’s LNG requirement.
The United States became India’s largest LNG supplier during May-July 2026, providing 2.19 million tonnes.
India’s LNG imports shifted toward US, African and non-Qatari Middle Eastern cargoes as Qatar’s supplies declined 91% year-on-year.
- Who
- India was the importer, while the United States became its leading LNG supplier during May-July 2026; Qatar was among the suppliers affected by the disruption.
- What
- India imported a record 155.25 billion cubic feet of LNG from the United States in the first half of 2026.
- When
- The record imports occurred from January through June 2026; related supplier data covers May-July 2026.
- Where
- The LNG was shipped to India, with global supply routes affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- Conflict in West Asia, damage to QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan facility and the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted LNG supplies and increased India’s need for alternative cargoes.
- US LNG imports in H1 2026
- 155.25 billion cubic feet
- H1 2026 monthly average
- 25.88 billion cubic feet
- US LNG imports in H1 2024
- 132.95 billion cubic feet
- Total US LNG imports in 2024
- 256.05 billion cubic feet
- India’s total LNG imports in May-July 2026
- About 7.08 million tonnes, up 15% year-on-year
- US share in May-July 2026
- 2.19 million tonnes
- Qatar supply change
- Imports from Qatar declined 91% year-on-year during May-July 2026