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India’s LNG Imports Jump 28% in June Driven by Summer Demand and Supply Realignments

India experienced a sharp increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) intake during June 2026, importing 2.659 million tons. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported by Eurasia Business News, this volume reflects a 28 percent rise compared to the 2.08 million tons received in June 2025, marking the highest monthly import total in 20 months.

What Happened

Data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reveals that India’s LNG intake climbed significantly in June 2026, recording its highest volume since October 2024. Over the course of 2026 so far, imports have risen by 7 percent, totaling 12.844 million tons. This increase came during the peak summer demand period, a trend seen across major Asian economies including China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Gas supplies were redirected toward Asia as European LNG imports declined by 18 percent.

India traditionally relies heavily on Middle Eastern sources due to geographic proximity. While deliveries from that region had previously dropped due to hostilities, shipments partially rebounded in June. The country brought in six LNG cargoes from the United Arab Emirates and two from Qatar, which together accounted for 20 percent of monthly shipments. The United States stood as India’s largest single supplier for the month, providing 562 thousand tons, or 21 percent of total supplies. Additional cargoes arrived from Nigeria, Oman, Angola, and Cameroon.

Key Highlights

  • June 2026 LNG imports reached 2.659 million tons, a 28 percent increase compared to 2.08 million tons in June 2025.
  • The volume represents a 20-month high, the largest monthly total since October 2024.
  • Year-to-date imports rose 7 percent to reach 12.844 million tons.
  • The United States served as the top exporter to India in June, providing 562 thousand tons (21 percent of monthly imports).
  • Supplies from the Middle East partially recovered, with eight shipments from the UAE and Qatar representing 20 percent of deliveries.
  • India possesses seven operating receiving terminals offering a total capacity of 48 million tons per year.
  • At the close of 2025, India ranked as the world’s fifth-largest LNG importer, trailing China, Japan, South Korea, and France.

Why This Matters

The import surge reflects heightened domestic requirements intensified by weather conditions, particularly higher summer temperatures than those recorded last year. Furthermore, the figures illustrate shifts in global supply routes, with volumes moving from Europe—where imports fell by 18 percent—to Asian nations managing seasonal peak demand. Deliveries have also adjusted around geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and structural contract arrangements, such as swap mechanisms involving Cameroon and SEFE (formerly Gazprom Marketing & Trading).

What to Watch Next

Future monitoring will center on ongoing import tracking through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to see if year-to-date growth continues beyond 12.844 million tons, alongside the continued flow of Middle Eastern cargoes and utilization across the nation’s 48-million-ton terminal network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much LNG did India import in June 2026?

India imported 2.659 million tons of LNG in June 2026, an increase of 28 percent over June 2025 figures.

Which country was India’s top LNG supplier in June?

The United States was the leading supplier, delivering 562 thousand tons, representing 21 percent of India’s total LNG imports for the month.

What is India’s current LNG terminal capacity?

India currently maintains seven receiving terminals with an aggregate processing capacity of 48 million tons per year.

Source: Eurasia Business News, reporting figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.