The ministry's statement represents a rare official acknowledgment that India is now importing oil from Iran, after seven years of avoidance due to U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported. Given that India imports a large portion of its fuel, including about 85% of its LPG, from the Middle East, it has been significantly impacted by Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks. This acknowledgment that India is purchasing Iranian fuel comes after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump last month granted Iran a temporary permit to sell 140 million barrels of crude oil stored at sea, in an attempt to ease market pressures.