Did Indian PSU Oil Companies Just Finalize a Historic LPG Deal with the US?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic deal for 2.2 MTPA LPG imports from the US.
- First structured contract for US LPG in India.
- Government aims to ensure affordable LPG for citizens.
- Collaboration with US producers enhances energy security.
- PM Modi's leadership focuses on minimizing consumer burden amid rising prices.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move, Indian public sector oil companies have successfully secured a deal to import approximately 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LPG for the contract year 2026, sourced from the Gulf Coast of the United States, as stated by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday.
In a message shared on the X social media platform, he highlighted that this marks a historic milestone, declaring that “one of the largest and the world’s fastest-growing LPG markets is now accessible to the United States.”
“Our commitment to ensuring secure and affordable LPG supplies for the citizens of India has led us to diversify our sources,” the minister added.
“This key development signifies that Indian PSU oil companies have finalized a one-year agreement to import approximately 2.2 MTPA of LPG, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of our annual imports for the contract year 2026, marking the first structured contract for US LPG in the Indian market,” Puri noted.
This purchase utilizes Mount Belvieu as the pricing benchmark for LPG acquisitions. “A dedicated team from Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL traveled to the US and engaged in discussions with major US producers over the past few months, successfully concluding these negotiations,” he explained.
Under the guidance of PM Modi, PSU oil companies have been delivering LPG at some of the lowest prices globally to support our mothers and sisters.
“Despite global prices soaring by over 60 percent last year, PM Modi ensured that our Ujjwala beneficiaries continued to receive LPG cylinders at only Rs 500-550, even though the actual cost exceeded Rs 1,100,” the minister pointed out.
The Government of India absorbed costs exceeding Rs 40,000 crore last year to alleviate the burden of rising international LPG prices on our citizens,” he added.