US LPG imports to India surge 254% to $2.6 billion, crude imports slump 57.5%

India significantly increased its purchases of petroleum products from the US during the first quarter of 2026-27, with LPG imports accounting for much of the rise. Government data showed that imports of petroleum products, mainly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), climbed 254% year-on-year to $2.60 billion during April-June.

The sharp increase came even as India’s crude oil purchases from the US declined substantially during the same period.

Crude oil imports fall 57.5%

India imported $1.57 billion worth of crude oil from the US in the first quarter of FY27, down from $3.70 billion during April-June 2025, marking a 57.5% decline.

Experts said crude purchases by Indian refiners can vary depending on commercial considerations and market conditions.

LPG imports, meanwhile, rose from around $735 million in the first quarter of 2025-26 to $2.60 billion in the corresponding period this year.

The increase in LPG purchases was partly linked to disruptions in global energy supplies following the war in West Asia, particularly those affecting supplies from the Gulf region. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane, which oil marketing companies frequently import separately in liquid form.

US imports rise while exports stay flat

India’s overall merchandise imports from the US also increased during the quarter. Purchases stood at $16.65 billion in April-June 2026, up nearly 24% from $13.44 billion a year earlier.

India’s merchandise exports to the US, however, remained broadly unchanged. Exports stood at $25.46 billion in the first quarter of FY27, compared with $25.48 billion in the same period last year.

Experts said there remains room to expand trade between the two countries, with export growth supported by diversification and greater focus on individual products.

Commerce Ministry plans export push

The Commerce Ministry has called industry associations and export promotion councils for a meeting to discuss ways to increase exports, including India’s trade performance with the US.

India’s merchandise exports rose more than 17% to $173.78 billion during April-July 2026. The government is targeting $1 trillion in combined goods and services exports this financial year, after exports totalled $863 billion in 2025-26.

The meeting also comes ahead of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s expected US visit for the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee, beginning September 30.