Oman became India’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier in September 2026, replacing the United States. India imported 2.17 million tonnes of LNG that month, 14% less than the 2.5 million tonnes imported in August.
India’s LNG Supplier Ranking
Oman shipped 585,000 tonnes of LNG to India in September 2026, an 11.6% increase from August. Its shipments made up 27% of India’s total LNG imports for the month. Nigeria ranked second, supplying 351,000 tonnes, despite a 35% month-on-month decline. The United States fell from first place in August, when it supplied 848,000 tonnes, to third place in September. Its LNG exports to India declined by 59%. Qatar, previously a dominant supplier to India, ranked sixth, supplying about 94,000 tonnes.
LNG and Import Infrastructure
LNG is natural gas cooled to approximately −162°C so that it becomes a liquid for storage and transport. Liquefaction reduces natural gas to roughly one-six-hundredth of its gaseous volume. Specially insulated LNG carriers transport it, and receiving terminals convert it back into gas through regasification. India’s LNG import terminals receive imported cargoes for regasification and supply to the domestic gas network. LNG is used in sectors including power generation, fertiliser production, city gas distribution and industry.
Supplier Diversification and Supply Disruptions
India’s supplier mix in September was shaped by efforts to diversify energy imports during geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. Competition from European importers for US cargoes also affected the availability of American LNG for India. Qatar’s shipments were partly affected by disruptions following an Iran strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City in March 2026.
Important Facts for Exams
- LNG is natural gas in liquid form and is transported in specially designed insulated carriers.
- Regasification converts imported LNG back into gaseous natural gas.
- Ras Laffan Industrial City is a major natural gas and LNG industrial complex in Qatar.
- India’s LNG imports totalled 2.17 million tonnes in September 2026, down from 2.5 million tonnes in August.
Oman supplied 585,000 tonnes of LNG to India in September 2026, while the United States supplied 59% less than in August. Nigeria ranked second and Qatar ranked sixth among India’s LNG suppliers that month.
