In May 2025 India imported 900 ,000 tonnes of U.S. LNG , a three‑fold increase from April and about 40% of its total LNG volume, according to data from Kpler. The jump follows Iranian assaults on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and a force‑majeure declaration by QatarEnergy,which forced Indian buyers to seek alternative sources.

Tripling to 900,000 tonnes: The numbers behind the shift

Data from Kpler shows that U.S. LNG deliveries to India rose from roughly 300,000 tonnes in April to 900,000 tonnes in May, pushing America to the top of India’s supplier list. The surge represents a dramatic swing in market share, moving from a marginal presence to roughly 40% of India’s total LNG imports in a single month.

Iran’s Strait of Hormuz attacks trigger a supply scramble

Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacks on over a dozen vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in late February effectively blocked the traditional Gulf corridor, according to reports from the U.S. Central Command. The disruption forced Indian importers to reconsider the cost calculus of U.S. LNG, which had previously been hindered by higher freight rates.

QatarEnergy’s force majeure leaves a vacuum for U.S. cargoes

QatarEnergy announced force majeure on numerous contracts in March, citing successive Iranian attacks on its facilities. As a result, Indian buyers lost a reliable source of low‑cost LNG and turned to American shipments, which, despite higher freight, were reportedly cheaper on a base‑price basis.

Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” prediction comes true

President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025 that the United States would become a leading LNG supplier to India. after launching “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran, the U.S. saw its forecast materialize as Indian imports from America tripled within three months, a development noted by CNBC and confirmed by Kpler data.

Who will fill the gap if the Hormuz blockade persists?

The National Restaurant Association of India warned that a prolonged disruption could cost the hospitality sector up to $130 million per day, underscoring the urgency of securing stable fuel supplies. While the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri projected energy purchases could rise from $15 billion to $25 billion, the long‑term reliability of U .S. LNG versus other sources remains uncertain.

Open question: Will the U.S. retain its newfound market share?

Analysts still debate whether the current U.S. dominance is a temporary response to conflict or a lasting realignment. The answer hinges on the security of the Strait of Hormuz , the duration of QatarEnergy’s force majeure, and the price competitiveness of American LNG once freight costs normalize.