India’s “de-Middle-East-ization” play is moving fast: the moment the Strait loosens, it immediately turns around to replenish inventories. Behind the trade rebalancing is the geopolitical chess game. Refineries take orders at high premiums—but the real hard truth is that everyday households’ stove fires must keep burning steadily.

Reuters reports that in June, India imported over 1 million tons of LPG from the United States, hitting a record high, compensating for Middle Eastern supply disruptions with higher prices. Previously, India imported about 90% from the Middle East, with a monthly volume of approximately 2 million tons. The government plans to increase the US LPG share to around 10% to promote a rebalancing of trade with the US. After part of the strait reopened, spot purchases from the US accelerated, with refineries buying at high premiums to ensure cooking gas supplies. In the future, Middle Eastern supply is expected to improve due to the opening of the strait, potentially leading to lower prices.