US Overtakes Qatar as India’s Top LNG Supplier

India’s LNG sourcing map has witnessed a dramatic reshuffle, with the United States emerging as the country’s largest supplier during May–July 2026 while shipments from long-standing supplier Qatar fell sharply. During the three-month period, India imported approximately 7.08 million tonnes of LNG, around 15% higher than the corresponding period a year earlier. The US accounted for nearly 2.19 million tonnes, recording a 253% year-on-year jump and taking the top position among suppliers. The most striking change came from Qatar. Its LNG shipments to India dropped about 91% year-on-year to just 0.23 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Nigeria supplied around 1.31 million tonnes, followed by Oman at 1.22 million tonnes and Angola at 0.80 million tonnes. The changing supplier mix signals a significant diversification in India’s LNG procurement strategy. Rather than depending heavily on a limited number of traditional suppliers, buyers are increasingly sourcing cargoes across multiple geographies as global prices, availability and commercial opportunities evolve. India’s underlying gas demand also remains significant. Natural gas consumption reached about 197 million metric standard cubic metres per day in June 2026, with city gas distribution, fertilisers and other industries among the major consumers. The sharp rise in US supplies, alongside growing volumes from African and Middle Eastern producers, indicates that competition for a share of India’s expanding gas market could intensify as the country strengthens its energy-security strategy.