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GAIL has reportedly bought a fresh LNG cargo from Oman to plug a potential gas supply gap as the Iran–US conflict disrupts global energy flows.
Context: the tension due to the Iran conflict has started tightening global gas supply, especially after shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. India imports about half of its natural gas needs, so any disruption hits quickly.
What’s going on: early signs are already getting seen. Some Bengaluru hotels reportedly cut operations, and companies like Infosys have trimmed cafeteria menus, as commercial gas supply tightens.
The government says there is no reason to panic. India consumes about 195 million standard cubic metres of gas daily, and authorities have already stepped in to prioritise supply for households, transport (CNG), and cooking gas (PNG/LPG).
Commercial users and fertiliser plants may see some cuts, but essential supply is being protected.
Big picture: India has been diversifying both suppliers and shipping routes to reduce dependence on sensitive choke points like the Strait of Hormuz.
One major alternative has been increasing crude imports from Russia.
Because of discounted pricing after Western sanctions, Russia has become one of India’s largest oil suppliers, at times accounting for over 35–40% of India’s crude imports.
India has also been sourcing more oil from the US, Brazil, West Africa, and Latin America, while on the gas side it imports LNG from Qatar, Australia, the US and other suppliers through multiple long-term contracts and spot cargoes.
