RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-561
ANSWERED ON- 04/12/2025
IMPORTS FROM UNITED STATES
561. DR. JOHN BRITTAS
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to increase imports of crude oil, LNG/LPG, edible oils,etc. from the United States, in view of recent developments in India-US relations;
(b) if so, the strategic and economic considerations guiding such an expansion, particularlyin the context of India’s ongoing purchases of discounted crude oil from Russia;
(c) whether Government has initiated discussions with the United States on preferentialpricing, long-term supply arrangements or discounts on imports; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken so far in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) As a significant importer of oil and gas, India places the highest priority on protecting its 1.4 billion consumers from the impact of global energy volatility. To this end, the Government of India has consistently pursued a strategy of broadening its energy sourcing and diversifying supply channels, ensuring resilience and flexibility in response to changing market dynamics.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. in February 2025, both sides discussed pathways to further strengthen the energy partnership, including greater trade in natural gas, ethane and petroleum products to bolster supply diversification and energy security.
According to Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) data, in FY 2024-25, the bilateral hydrocarbons trade between India and the United States reached US$ 14.37 billion. The United States is currently India’s 5th largest hydrocarbon trade partner, the 5th largest source of crude oil, and the 2nd largest source of LNG. There remains substantial potential for expanding imports of crude oil, LNG, and LPG from the United States, subject to commercial viability.
Government of India does not directly procure crude oil, LNG, LPG, or other petroleum products. These imports are undertaken by Indian oil and gas companies based on commercial considerations.
In November 2025, IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) concluded a one-year structured contract to import approximately 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the U.S. Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026.