October 27, 2026: India's natural gas import bill rose 23 percent to $8.5 billion during April-September FY27, compared with $6.9 billion a year earlier, as higher energy prices amid the West Asia conflict pushed up the cost of overseas supplies, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).

The increase was largely driven by prices rather than higher import volumes. India imported 18,189 million standard cubic metres (MMSCM) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) during the six-month period, up 4.4 percent from 17,414 MMSCM a year earlier

The higher import bill comes as India faces supply disruptions and elevated energy prices following the conflict in West Asia, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and LNG trade.

India's dependence on imported natural gas increased to 52.3 percent during April-September FY27 from 50.1 percent in the corresponding period last year, according to PPAC.

Domestic natural gas production declined 4.4 percent to 16,804 MMSCM during the first half of the financial year, compared with 17,585 MMSCM a year earlier.

Overall natural gas consumption remained nearly unchanged at 34,769 MMSCM, against 34,773 MMSCM in the year-ago period.

(Source: Money Control)