The disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted India’s energy supply chain, forcing New Delhi to accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing.
A friend of India, sitting nearly 20,000 kilometres away, has come to the country’s aid as it grapples with a severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia. With supplies disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for nearly 60 percent of India’s LPG imports—a South American country has stepped in to help meet India’s urgent energy needs.
The disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted India’s energy supply chain, forcing New Delhi to accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing.
Against this backdrop, Argentina has emerged as an unexpected yet crucial partner.
During the first quarter of 2026 alone, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India—more than double the 22,000 tonnes shipped during the entirety of 2025.
Of these shipments, around 39,000 tonnes had already reached Indian shores from Argentina’s Bahia Blanca port before the conflict escalated.
An additional 11,000 tonnes were dispatched on March 5, underscoring Buenos Aires’ willingness to support India during the crisis.
Notably, Argentina had not supplied LPG to India prior to 2024, marking a rapid evolution in bilateral energy ties.
Argentina’s Ambassador to India, Mariano Agustin Cousino, emphasised his country’s readiness to play a larger role in India’s energy security.
“Argentina has significant gas reserves. The president of our national gas and oil company visited here twice last year; he held talks with Indian energy companies, and also met with Minister Hardeep Puri on several occasions. So this cooperation is still in its early stages,” he said.
He added that the current geopolitical situation could accelerate collaboration between the two nations.
“The present circumstances may further intensify the need for both countries to work together and build mutual understanding in this area,” he noted.
Praising India’s broader energy strategy, the envoy said, “I think the Indian government has been working on a strategy to diversify natural resources and energy supply in recent years, which is very positive. It is a very wise approach”.
Referring to recent remarks in Parliament, he added that India is expanding its energy sourcing network to over 40 countries, with Argentina poised to be among them.
Highlighting Argentina’s export potential, Cousino pointed out that the country’s relatively small population and abundant natural resources allow it to supply large quantities of energy and commodities globally.
He also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation beyond agriculture and minerals into hydrocarbons.
THE DAUNTING 20,000 KM JOURNEY
However, the partnership is not without challenges. The distance between Argnetina’s Bahia Blanca and India’s Dahej port in Gujarat—close to 20,000 kilometres—makes the route one of the longest for energy shipments.
This significantly raises transportation costs and introduces logistical complexities, including weather-related risks and longer delivery timelines.
Despite these hurdles, the arrangement is strategically important. For India, it represents a critical step in reducing overdependence on traditional supply routes and regions.
For Argentina, it opens a new and potentially large market for its energy exports.
Domestically, India has also taken measures to manage the crisis. The government has increased commercial LPG allocation by 20 percent to support sectors such as hospitality and food services.
