Oman Becomes India's Top LNG Supplier: What the Hormuz Crisis Means for Energy Security

Current development: India experienced a significant change in its liquefied natural gas imports during September 2026. Oman became the largest supplier for that month, overtaking the United States, which had held the leading position in recent months.

The change occurred against the backdrop of disruptions in West Asia, which affected LNG shipments from major exporting countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

September import figures: According to tanker-tracking data from Kpler reported by The Indian Express:

Changing supply patterns: LNG imports from the United States declined by 60.7% compared with August, while imports from Oman increased by 11.6%.

The sharp fall in American cargoes was associated with stronger competition from European importers seeking additional LNG supplies.

Meanwhile, Oman remained an important alternative because its principal LNG export terminal is located outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Longer-term perspective: The United States nevertheless remained India's largest LNG supplier over the broader May–September 2026 period, accounting for 3.41 million tonnes, or 28.7% of imports.

Therefore, Oman's position in September represents a change in the monthly supplier ranking, not necessarily a permanent restructuring of India's LNG trade.

UPSC significance: The event illustrates the vulnerability of an import-dependent energy system to maritime disruptions, international competition and fluctuations in global prices.

It also demonstrates why energy security requires access to multiple suppliers, secure shipping routes and affordable procurement arrangements.

Natural gas: Natural gas is a fossil fuel found in underground geological formations, sometimes alongside petroleum.

Its principal component is methane (CH₄), although it may also contain ethane, propane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other substances.

Natural gas is used for electricity generation, industrial heating, cooking, transportation, fertiliser manufacturing and petrochemical production.

Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C at near-atmospheric pressure, converting it into liquid form.

Liquefaction reduces its volume to approximately one-six-hundredth of its gaseous volume.

This makes it practical to transport large quantities over long distances by specialised ships.

Why liquefaction is necessary: Transporting natural gas through pipelines is usually practical when production and consumption regions can be connected through suitable infrastructure.

However, international pipelines are expensive, geographically constrained and sometimes vulnerable to political disputes.

LNG allows natural gas to be transported across oceans without a continuous pipeline connecting exporting and importing countries.

Production process

Regasification: Regasification is the process of converting imported LNG back into gaseous natural gas by warming it.

This is carried out at LNG receiving terminals before distribution through gas pipelines.

Cryogenic technology: Cryogenic technology involves operating at extremely low temperatures. LNG storage tanks and carriers use specialised insulation and equipment to maintain the necessary conditions.

These fuels are frequently mentioned in energy-related current affairs but differ in composition, storage and applications.

LNG: Primarily used for bulk natural gas transportation, industrial applications and some heavy-duty vehicles.

CNG: Natural gas compressed to high pressure and commonly used as a transportation fuel.

PNG: Natural gas delivered through pipelines for household cooking, commercial establishments and industrial activities.

LPG: A mixture primarily containing propane and butane. It is commonly distributed in cylinders for household cooking.

LPG-to-PNG transition: When households shift from LPG cylinders to PNG connections, the demand for piped natural gas increases.

This can also increase demand for imported LNG when domestic natural gas production is insufficient.

UPSC distinction: LNG and CNG are different physical forms of natural gas, while PNG describes the distribution method. LPG is chemically different from methane-rich natural gas.

Geographical location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and, through it, the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

It is situated between Iran to the north and Oman, including the Musandam Peninsula, to the south.

Maritime chokepoint: A maritime chokepoint is a narrow sea passage through which substantial international shipping takes place.

Disruption at such a passage can affect global trade because ships may have few practical alternative routes.

Global LNG importance: According to the US Energy Information Administration, approximately 20% of global LNG trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024, principally from Qatar.

The Strait is also a critical route for crude oil and petroleum products.

Qatar's dependence: Qatar's major LNG export facilities are located inside the Persian Gulf. Tankers carrying LNG from these facilities normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz to reach international markets.

UAE's position: LNG exported from the UAE's Das Island facilities also normally requires passage through Hormuz.

Global consequences: A disruption can affect shipping insurance, freight charges, delivery schedules, gas availability and market prices.

2026 crisis: The West Asia conflict that began in late February 2026 severely disrupted LNG movements through the Strait.

The International Energy Agency's Gas Market Report for the third quarter of 2026 identified the disruption as a major shock to global gas supplies and prices.

Although some traffic resumed, uncertainty over reliable LNG transportation persisted.

Geographical advantage: Oman occupies a strategically important location along the southeastern Arabian Peninsula.

Its territory includes coastlines facing the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

LNG export infrastructure: Oman's principal LNG export complex is located at Qalhat, near Sur, on the country's northeastern coast.

Its location allows LNG tankers to access international sea routes without first passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Difference from Qatar: Qatar's major LNG exports originate inside the Persian Gulf, making the Strait an essential route for reaching global customers.

Oman's LNG export facilities therefore have an important geographical advantage during disruptions within the Strait.

Energy security implications: Importing LNG from Oman can help India reduce its exposure to one particular maritime chokepoint.

However, Oman cannot eliminate the wider impact of a regional crisis because international gas prices, shipping costs and insurance premiums remain interconnected.

India-Oman relations: Oman is an important partner for India in West Asia because of its geographical location, energy trade, maritime connectivity and broader strategic relationship.

The changing LNG trade pattern illustrates the economic significance of these geographical and diplomatic connections.

Supply-side disruption: A supply shock occurs when the availability of a commodity suddenly falls because of conflict, infrastructure damage, natural disasters or other major events.

In 2026, disruption of Gulf LNG shipments reduced the amount of gas readily available to importing countries.

Damage to regional gas infrastructure further complicated supply restoration.

International market effects: Europe and Asia both depend on internationally traded LNG.

When Gulf supplies were interrupted, importers sought replacement shipments from countries such as the United States and other exporters outside the Persian Gulf.

Price transmission: Stronger demand for limited supplies increased international spot-market prices.

Higher prices affected gas-dependent industries, utilities and households.

Global competition: Unlike many pipeline-based gas arrangements, flexible LNG cargoes can sometimes be redirected between international markets.

This creates a situation in which importers in Asia and Europe compete for available shipments.

IEA assessment: The IEA's 2026 gas-market analysis found that disruption through Hormuz caused sharp price volatility and encouraged fuel switching and demand-reduction measures in several Asian economies.

The crisis shows how regional geopolitical developments can become global energy-security problems.

European competition: The United States has become a major exporter of LNG, supplying markets across Asia, Europe and other regions.

During the 2026 supply disruption, European buyers sought additional American LNG to compensate for uncertainty in their gas supplies and replenish inventories.

Flexible cargoes: Some American LNG contracts allow greater flexibility regarding the final destination of shipments.

Cargoes may consequently move towards markets offering attractive commercial returns.

Price competition: LNG importers must consider not only the availability of gas but also the delivered price, including shipping expenses.

If European buyers offer better prices for particular cargoes, those shipments may be redirected.

September development: According to Kpler's vessel-tracking estimates, American LNG deliveries to India fell by 60.7% month-on-month in September.

This does not mean that the United States stopped exporting LNG or ceased to be a major Indian energy partner.

Broader trend: American LNG remained India's largest source during the May–September period, indicating that a single month's import ranking should not be confused with the country's overall supply relationship.

UPSC relevance: International energy trade responds to market prices, contract flexibility, transport costs and geopolitical conditions.

Spot market: The spot LNG market allows buyers and sellers to negotiate cargoes for relatively prompt delivery.

Spot purchases provide flexibility when demand increases unexpectedly or regular supplies are disrupted.

However, their prices may fluctuate sharply during international crises.

Long-term contracts: Long-term LNG agreements provide for supplies over several years, sometimes extending for decades.

They generally specify contracted quantities, delivery conditions and a pricing formula.

Advantages of long-term contracts: They can provide predictability, support infrastructure investment and reduce exposure to sudden physical supply shortages.

Limitations: Long-term contracts may contain rigid obligations, destination provisions or pricing arrangements that become unfavourable when market conditions change.

Take-or-pay provision: Under a take-or-pay arrangement, the buyer may be required to pay for an agreed minimum quantity even if it does not take delivery, subject to contractual conditions.

Destination flexibility: Some contracts permit buyers to redirect cargoes or resell them to other destinations.

Others contain restrictions that limit such flexibility.

India's procurement challenge: India needs to balance the stability of long-term arrangements with the flexibility of spot-market purchases.

An excessive dependence on either approach can create financial or operational risks.

IEA assessment: The IEA's India Gas Market Report 2025 warned that the gap between projected LNG requirements and contracted supply could widen after 2028, increasing exposure to spot-market volatility unless additional contracts are secured.

The 2026 crisis reinforces the need for diversified procurement arrangements.

Supply and demand: LNG prices depend on production availability, seasonal demand, industrial consumption, electricity requirements and the balance between available cargoes and buyers.

Oil-linked pricing: Some long-term contracts calculate gas prices using a formula linked to crude oil prices, often with a time lag.

Gas-index-linked pricing: Other contracts reference gas-market benchmarks such as the US Henry Hub.

Asian LNG benchmark: The Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) is a widely followed price benchmark for spot LNG delivered to Northeast Asia.

European benchmark: The Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) is an important European natural gas trading benchmark.

Henry Hub: Henry Hub is a natural gas pricing and delivery hub located in Louisiana, United States.

Delivery costs: The final cost of imported LNG also depends on liquefaction charges, shipping, insurance and regasification, depending on the contract.

International price shocks: Disruptions to major supply routes may increase shipping and insurance expenses alongside the underlying gas price.

Recent experience: A Wood Mackenzie assessment reported by The Economic Times indicated that Indian LNG tender prices rose sharply during the 2026 crisis, reaching approximately $26.4 per million British thermal units in September.

These were reported tender-price observations, not a universal price paid for every LNG shipment imported by India.

Economic significance: Price volatility affects the commercial viability of gas-based electricity generation, industrial manufacturing and other activities.

It may also place pressure on government expenditure where energy-linked sectors receive public financial support.

Domestic production limitations: India produces natural gas from domestic fields, including offshore and onshore reservoirs.

However, domestic output is insufficient to meet total demand.

Import dependence: LNG has supplied approximately half of India's natural gas requirements in recent years, although the precise share changes with domestic production and imports.

Growing consumption: Demand is expanding through city gas distribution, industrial activities, transportation, fertiliser production and other economic uses.

Limited pipeline imports: India does not have an extensive operational network of international cross-border natural gas import pipelines comparable to those connecting major European or Central Asian gas markets.

Consequently, LNG transported by sea remains the principal way India supplements its domestic natural gas production.

IEA findings: The International Energy Agency's India Gas Market Report 2025 projected that India's annual natural gas consumption could rise to approximately 103 billion cubic metres by 2030.

Under that outlook, LNG imports could need to more than double from their 2023 level.

These are projections based on the report's assumptions, not guaranteed future outcomes.

Strategic issue: Import dependence is not inherently undesirable if supplies are affordable and reliable.

The problem arises when imports are concentrated in a few countries, transported through vulnerable routes or purchased at unpredictable prices.

Therefore, India's energy policy must address the reliability, affordability and sustainability of imported gas.

Fertiliser industry: Natural gas is an important feedstock for producing ammonia, which is used to manufacture urea and other nitrogen-based fertilisers.

A feedstock is a raw material that undergoes chemical conversion into another product.

Natural gas shortages or price increases can raise fertiliser production costs.

Because urea is an important agricultural input, sustained disruptions can affect agricultural supply chains and public finances.

City Gas Distribution (CGD): CGD networks supply piped natural gas to households and businesses and compressed natural gas to vehicles.

Growth in PNG connections and CNG stations increases demand for natural gas.

Power generation: Gas-fired power plants use natural gas to generate electricity, usually through gas turbines or combined-cycle systems.

Combined-cycle plants utilise both gas turbines and steam turbines to improve electricity-generation efficiency.

Industrial manufacturing: Industries such as ceramics, glass, chemicals and metals use natural gas for industrial heating or as a feedstock.

Petroleum refining: Refineries also consume natural gas in various processing operations.

Petrochemical industry: Natural gas and its associated components can be used to manufacture chemical products and industrial materials.

Public-policy significance: Different sectors have different capacities to withstand rising gas prices.

Households and essential public services may require protection from abrupt shortages, while some industrial users can reduce consumption or temporarily change fuels.

The allocation of limited gas during a crisis therefore involves important economic and distributional choices.

Supplier diversification: Indian importers increased their reliance on suppliers outside the most severely affected Gulf routes.

Oman and Nigeria emerged as important sources during September.

Spot-market purchases: Importers competed for available LNG shipments despite elevated prices.

This helped reduce the physical impact of supply shortages, though it increased procurement costs.

Sectoral prioritisation: A Wood Mackenzie assessment reported by The Economic Times found that India protected city gas consumers during the initial disruptions by curtailing supplies to some other sectors, including fertiliser, refining and industrial users.

Price sensitivity: Industries with commercially viable alternative fuels could reduce natural gas use when LNG became expensive.

Continuing demand: Consumption remained supported by city gas distribution, electricity requirements and domestic supply limitations.

Balancing outcomes: India's experience shows that securing physical supplies is only one component of energy security.

High import prices, sectoral rationing and uncertainty about future shipments remain significant economic costs.

It is therefore necessary to distinguish between the availability of imported LNG and its affordability to consumers.

Gas-based economy: The Government of India has adopted the policy objective of increasing natural gas use across transportation, industries, households and other suitable sectors.

Its stated target is to raise the share of natural gas in the national energy mix to 15% by 2030.

Lower local air pollution: Burning natural gas generally produces lower emissions of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide than burning coal or several liquid fuels.

This can make gas useful in certain industrial and urban applications.

Flexible electricity generation: Gas-fired power plants can provide flexible electricity generation, which may help electricity systems respond to changes in demand and renewable generation.

Industrial applications: Natural gas serves as both a fuel and industrial feedstock.

Transportation: CNG can substitute for petrol or diesel in suitable vehicle applications.

Implementation measures: The government has supported expansion of the national gas pipeline network, CGD networks, LNG terminals and domestic gas production.

The target remains a policy ambition rather than evidence that a 15% gas share has already been achieved.

Important qualification: Natural gas is a fossil fuel and produces carbon dioxide when burned.

Methane leakage during extraction, processing and transportation can further increase its climate impact.

Therefore, increasing gas use must be considered alongside India's renewable energy expansion, energy-efficiency improvements and long-term decarbonisation goals.

India needs a connected infrastructure system to convert imported LNG into usable natural gas.

LNG receiving terminals: These terminals receive cargoes from specialised LNG carriers.

They generally contain unloading facilities, cryogenic storage tanks, regasification equipment and connections to natural gas pipelines.

Major LNG terminal locations: Important LNG import infrastructure is located at Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, Kochi in Kerala, Dabhol in Maharashtra, Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Dhamra in Odisha.

Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU): An FSRU is a vessel equipped to store LNG and convert it back into gaseous form.

It can provide an alternative to constructing a fully land-based regasification terminal.

National Gas Grid: The national gas pipeline network transports natural gas from production fields and import terminals to consuming regions.

City Gas Distribution: CGD networks distribute natural gas locally to households, businesses, industries and CNG stations.

Infrastructure bottlenecks: The presence of an LNG terminal does not automatically guarantee affordable gas supplies throughout the country.

Adequate pipeline capacity, connectivity, distribution infrastructure and commercial demand are also necessary.

Regional imbalance: Areas with mature pipeline connections have generally enjoyed better access to natural gas than regions with limited gas infrastructure.

Expanding connectivity can reduce this imbalance.

Current infrastructure development: Petronet LNG reported that the nameplate capacity of its Dahej terminal increased from 17.5 million tonnes per annum to 22.5 million tonnes per annum following its regasification expansion.

This illustrates continuing investment in India's LNG-handling capacity.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG): It is the principal central ministry responsible for policy related to petroleum and natural gas.

Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC): PPAC functions under MoPNG and provides official petroleum and natural gas data, including information on LNG imports, domestic production and consumption.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB): PNGRB was established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.

Its responsibilities include regulating specified downstream petroleum and natural gas activities, including authorisation and regulation of natural gas pipelines and city gas distribution networks.

GAIL (India) Limited: GAIL is an important public-sector enterprise engaged in natural gas transportation, marketing and related activities.

Petronet LNG Limited: Petronet operates major LNG import and regasification facilities, including Dahej and Kochi.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): ONGC is a major domestic hydrocarbon exploration and production company.

Oil India Limited (OIL): OIL is another important public-sector enterprise involved in hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Indian Gas Exchange (IGX): IGX provides a trading platform for specified natural gas contracts, contributing to the development of gas-market trading and price discovery.

Regulatory relevance: Strong infrastructure regulation and transparent market arrangements help reduce transport bottlenecks and support efficient gas distribution.

However, regulating domestic pipelines is distinct from controlling the international prices or availability of imported LNG.

Government policy: LNG imports have been permitted under the Open General Licence framework, while policy has also encouraged investment in LNG-related infrastructure.

Historical supplier: Qatar has traditionally been one of India's most important LNG suppliers, with substantial long-term supply arrangements.

North Field: Qatar's major natural gas production is associated with the offshore North Field in the Persian Gulf.

The geological reservoir extends into Iranian waters, where it is known as South Pars.

Long-term contracts: Petronet LNG entered into a long-term LNG agreement with QatarEnergy in February 2024 for approximately 7.5 million tonnes per annum, with supplies scheduled from 2028.

Geographical vulnerability: Qatar's principal LNG infrastructure is located within the Persian Gulf, and exports to global markets normally require passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

2026 disruption: The conflict affected shipping movements and damaged some regional LNG infrastructure, reducing Qatar's ability to supply international markets.

Why contracts cannot eliminate all risks: A long-term supply agreement can secure commercial rights to gas, but deliveries can still be interrupted by major conflicts, transport blockages or infrastructure damage.

Force majeure: Force majeure is a contractual concept that may excuse or suspend certain obligations when extraordinary events prevent performance, depending on the contract's terms.

Policy lesson: India must combine long-term contractual relationships with alternative suppliers, flexible shipments and contingency planning.

The objective should be reliable supply rather than excessive dependence on any particular exporting country.

Import expenditure: Higher LNG prices increase the foreign exchange required to purchase natural gas.

Current account implications: The current account records trade in goods and services, primary income and secondary income between residents and the rest of the world.

Higher energy imports can widen the merchandise trade deficit and place pressure on the current account, other things being equal.

Exchange-rate exposure: LNG contracts are often denominated in US dollars.

A depreciation of the rupee against the dollar can increase the domestic cost of imported gas, even if the international dollar price remains unchanged.

Inflation: Higher industrial fuel costs may increase the prices of manufactured goods and services.

Fertiliser costs: Natural gas is an important input in nitrogen fertiliser production.

Higher imported gas prices can increase production or procurement costs and, depending on pricing policy, may increase fertiliser subsidy requirements.

Power generation: Expensive imported gas can make gas-fired electricity less competitive, particularly where electricity tariffs do not cover the cost of fuel.

Industrial competitiveness: Energy-intensive industries may experience reduced profit margins or pass additional costs to consumers.

Fiscal pressure: Government efforts to protect vulnerable consumers and priority sectors from sudden gas-price increases may require additional public expenditure.

Macroeconomic importance: Global energy prices therefore influence India through trade, inflation, industrial production, fiscal expenditure and external-sector stability.

Domestic potential: India possesses conventional natural gas resources in several sedimentary basins.

Important producing regions include the Krishna-Godavari Basin, Mumbai Offshore Basin, Assam and other hydrocarbon-bearing areas.

Conventional gas: Conventional natural gas accumulates in geological reservoirs from which it can generally be extracted through established drilling and production methods.

Unconventional gas: Unconventional resources include shale gas and coal-bed methane.

Shale gas is trapped in fine-grained sedimentary rocks and may require specialised drilling and stimulation techniques.

Coal-bed methane is natural gas found in coal seams.

Government initiatives: Policies such as the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) are intended to encourage exploration and production.

Commercial limitations: Domestic output depends on geological conditions, production technology, investment, reservoir characteristics and commercial viability.

Environmental concerns: Gas extraction can create environmental risks, including methane leakage, water use, waste management challenges and land-use impacts.

IEA assessment: The India Gas Market Report 2025 projected only moderate growth in domestic production through 2030, meaning imported LNG would remain important under its baseline outlook.

Policy implication: Increasing domestic production can improve energy security, but it is unlikely to eliminate the need for imported natural gas in the near term.

It should therefore complement, rather than substitute for, diversified international procurement and demand-side efficiency.

Compressed Biogas (CBG): CBG is produced by purifying biogas generated from organic materials such as agricultural residues, cattle dung, municipal organic waste and other biodegradable feedstocks.

Biogas generally contains methane and carbon dioxide.

After purification and compression, methane-rich CBG can be used in suitable gas applications.

SATAT initiative: Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) seeks to promote compressed biogas production and its use as a transportation fuel.

Waste management benefits: CBG can help convert organic waste into useful energy while supporting improved waste management.

Rural development: Biogas projects can create additional demand for agricultural residues and support rural economic activities.

Challenges: Feedstock collection, transportation, processing costs, plant financing and reliable gas offtake can affect commercial viability.

Renewable electricity: Renewable power can reduce dependence on natural gas in electricity generation where suitable alternatives are available.

Energy efficiency: More efficient industrial processes and equipment can reduce total fuel requirements.

Diversification beyond gas: Electrification, renewable energy, storage technologies and domestic low-carbon energy sources can reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels over time.

Balanced approach: Alternative energy sources cannot immediately replace every industrial use of natural gas, especially applications requiring chemical feedstocks.

Therefore, India's energy security strategy must combine cleaner alternatives with reliable transitional energy supplies.

Comparatively cleaner combustion: Natural gas generally produces less carbon dioxide per unit of energy than coal when burned and can reduce some local air pollutants.

However, the exact environmental benefit depends on the application and the fuel being displaced.

Methane emissions: Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.

Leakage during natural gas production, processing, transportation and distribution can significantly increase the climate impact of gas.

Energy-intensive liquefaction: Cooling natural gas to extremely low temperatures requires substantial energy.

Shipping emissions: LNG carriers consume energy during transportation and may contribute additional greenhouse gas emissions.

Regasification: Imported LNG must also be processed before distribution.

Life-cycle emissions: A complete environmental assessment must consider emissions from production, processing, liquefaction, transportation, regasification, distribution and final combustion.

IEA assessment: The IEA's Assessing Emissions from LNG Supply and Abatement Options, published in September 2026, highlights opportunities to reduce methane leakage, improve processing efficiency and lower emissions along the LNG supply chain.

Energy transition implications: Natural gas may serve a role in certain transitional applications, but LNG should not be treated as a zero-carbon or renewable energy source.

Its long-term role must be assessed alongside India's decarbonisation objectives and the risk of creating expensive fossil-fuel infrastructure that may become underutilised.

Regional vulnerability: South Asian economies depend on international energy supplies to varying degrees.

Disruptions to Gulf LNG production and shipping can therefore affect several countries simultaneously.

India's position: India has a relatively diversified set of suppliers and a large domestic market.

These features provide some flexibility, although the country remains exposed to high international prices.

Pakistan: Pakistan has historically depended heavily on LNG from Qatar.

Disruption of Qatari supplies can therefore create significant supply-security challenges.

Bangladesh: Bangladesh also relies substantially on imported LNG to supplement domestic production and meet industrial and electricity requirements.

Comparative experience: Wood Mackenzie's October 2026 assessment found that South Asian importers with concentrated supply portfolios and limited procurement flexibility faced particularly severe challenges.

Policy relevance: The crisis illustrates why energy security depends on more than the volume of imported fuel.

Countries also need diverse suppliers, adequate infrastructure, flexible contracts and demand-management arrangements.

Regional cooperation: South Asian countries could benefit from better market information, coordinated emergency planning and improved energy connectivity wherever technically and politically feasible.

Supply diversification: Relying heavily on a small number of exporters increases vulnerability to disruptions affecting those countries.

Route diversification: Suppliers located outside vulnerable maritime passages can reduce exposure to specific chokepoints.

Procurement flexibility: A balanced portfolio of long-term contracts and spot purchases can improve supply reliability while limiting financial exposure.

Storage and emergency planning: Gas storage facilities and contingency arrangements can help manage short-term interruptions.

Infrastructure resilience: A well-connected gas network allows available supplies to reach different consuming regions.

Domestic energy development: Greater domestic production, compressed biogas and alternative energy technologies can gradually reduce import dependence.

Energy efficiency: Reducing avoidable consumption is an important form of energy security because it lowers total import requirements.

International cooperation: Stable diplomatic and commercial relationships with a range of exporters can improve long-term procurement options.

IEA recommendations: The IEA's September 2026 report on gas reserves and flexibility recommends combining physical storage, flexible commercial arrangements, LNG swaps and carefully designed policy mechanisms.

An LNG swap allows parties to exchange delivery obligations or cargo destinations, often reducing transport distances or resolving temporary supply mismatches.

Core policy lesson: India's energy strategy must balance three objectives: reliable supply, affordable prices and environmental sustainability.

No single measure can provide complete protection against global energy shocks.