Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Puri is embarking on a two-day visit to Qatar starting Thursday, aiming to secure faster delivery of natural gas and cooking fuel amid India’s ongoing energy concerns. The trip comes at a time when a tentative ceasefire between the US and Iran has created a potential window to ease tensions affecting the Persian Gulf, a critical source of India’s fuel imports.

India depends on imports for roughly half of its natural gas requirements and about two-thirds of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is widely used for domestic cooking. Most of these supplies come from West Asia. The recent six-week conflict in the Persian Gulf has disrupted supply chains, causing shortages for industrial users and triggering price hikes across energy markets.

Qatar remains India’s largest supplier of both LNG and LPG, providing 45% and 20% of imports, respectively. However, after attacks on its key export facility, the Gulf nation declared force majeure on gas exports, warning that full recovery could take years. Officials familiar with Puri’s plans, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate that he will seek expedited supply schedules and request that India be given priority for LNG shipments. The Oil Ministry announced the sudden trip via a social media post but did not provide further details.

Puri’s visit follows just a day after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. While the White House welcomed the truce, it remains fragile, and maritime traffic through the strait was still largely suspended on Thursday, leaving India dependent on diplomatic and bilateral engagement to secure its critical energy imports.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.