Indian Oil Corp. has purchased liquefied petroleum gas from Iran for the first time since 2018, according to people familiar with the matter. The move comes as India faces a worsening shortage of the vital cooking fuel, driven by the war in the Middle East. Indian Oil's decision marks a significant shift in energy procurement strategy amid tightening global LPG supplies.

India's cooking fuel crisis has deepened as Middle East conflicts disrupt traditional supply chains. The country, which relies heavily on imported LPG for domestic cooking needs, has seen prices surge and availability shrink. This has forced state-owned refiners to explore alternative sources, including previously shunned suppliers like Iran. The timing is particularly sensitive given ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The purchase from Iran signals India's growing desperation to secure energy supplies as the crisis escalates. With winter approaching and domestic demand remaining strong, Indian Oil appears willing to navigate complex international sanctions and diplomatic hurdles to ensure adequate LPG stocks. This development could have broader implications for global energy markets as other countries facing similar shortages may follow India's lead in seeking alternative suppliers.