Indian business conglomerate Adani Group has come under renewed scrutiny from U.S. prosecutors, who are reportedly probing whether the company imported Iranian LPG into India via the Mundra Port in Gujarat. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed sources, reported that several LPG tankers showing signs commonly associated with sanctions evasion were tracked making trips between the Gulf and Mundra Port, operated by an Adani subsidiary.
The Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has strongly refuted the allegations. In a statement to the WSJ, the company dismissed the report as “baseless and mischievous,” categorically denying any involvement in the import of Iranian-origin LPG or any attempts to evade international sanctions. “Adani categorically denies any deliberate engagement in sanctions evasion or trade involving Iranian-origin LPG,” said a company spokesperson. “Further, we are not aware of any investigation by the US authorities on this subject.”
The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly reviewing the movements and activities of tankers that allegedly supplied LPG to Adani Enterprises. While no formal charges or direct accusations have been made public by U.S. authorities in this specific matter, the WSJ report suggests the issue is under active review.
This development follows earlier controversy involving Adani Group. A few months ago, U.S. authorities had indicted Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, alleging bribery to secure power contracts and misrepresentation during fundraising efforts from American investors. The group had vehemently denied those allegations as well, vowing to pursue all legal avenues to clear its name.
The scrutiny comes in light of a firm U.S. stance against Iranian oil and petrochemical exports. In 2020, then-President Donald Trump declared that any country or individual purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemical products would be subject to secondary sanctions.
As the investigation unfolds, Adani Group maintains that it has not handled cargo from Iran or allowed Iranian-owned vessels at any of its ports. The company emphasized its commitment to full compliance with international trade laws and sanctions regimes, stating that any assumptions or allegations to the contrary are unfounded and misleading.
The coming weeks may reveal whether this inquiry leads to formal action or remains a speculative cloud over one of India’s largest conglomerates. For now, Adani Group stands firm in its denial, reiterating that it has no ties to Iranian LPG and has always abided by global trade regulations.