ThePrint CutTheClutter: Crude, LPG & LNG - India's oil & gas import dependency & how the war in Iran is affecting us
Apr 2, 2026
A focused look at how the war in Iran spotlights India’s heavy oil and gas import dependence. Shortages of LPG and the reach of piped natural gas get examined. Choices made by refineries to boost LPG output and the routes that bring fuel to India are discussed. Long-term alternatives like gasification and renewables are considered.
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India's Heavy Crude Import Vulnerability
- India imports almost 90% of its crude oil, creating large vulnerability to global conflicts and price shocks.
- Shekhar Gupta links LPG distress today to this import dependence and falling domestic crude production since 2011.
Ujwala Lifted LPG Use And Import Risk
- LPG became politically visible because Ujwala expanded connections to 32 crore households, increasing import exposure.
- Gupta notes LPG imports are high because domestic LPG production meets only ~30% of demand in normal times.
Half Of India's Gas Is Imported As LNG
- India produces about 50% of its natural gas domestically; the rest arrives as LNG in specialized tankers cooled to ~-160°C.
- LNG compresses gas ~1:1000 for ship transport and arrives at eight Indian LNG terminals for regasification.