Adani Group denies US probe claims over Iranian LPG imports
A report by the Wall Street Journal said that the U.S. Justice Department is looking into the activities of several tankers supplying cargo to Adani Enterprises.
The Adani Group has rejected claims of involvement in importing Iranian liquefied petroleum gas and denied any violations of international sanctions, following a report that U.S. prosecutors are examining LPG shipments to its Mundra port.
A report by the Wall Street Journal said that the U.S. Justice Department is looking into the activities of several tankers supplying cargo to Adani Enterprises.
It cited sources familiar with the matter and said the vessels showed behaviours associated with evasion of U.S. sanctions.
In a statement, an Adani spokesperson said, "Adani categorically denies any deliberate engagement in sanctions evasion or trade involving Iranian-origin LPG."
The company also stated, "We are not aware of any investigation by U.S. authorities on this subject."
Adani said it has a clear policy of not handling cargo from Iran at any of its ports.
It clarified that its LPG business, which represents 1.46% of Adani Enterprises’ revenue, complies fully with both Indian and international laws, including sanctions imposed by the U.S.
Referring to a shipment mentioned by the WSJ, Adani said the cargo was handled as part of a standard commercial deal through third-party logistics firms.
Documentation accompanying the shipment showed the cargo originated from Sohar, Oman, not Iran.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn did not respond to requests for comment.
This latest development adds pressure on the Indian conglomerate, which is still dealing with past legal challenges in the U.S. Last year, Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani were indicted by U.S. prosecutors on allegations of bribery related to power contracts and misleading investors during U.S. fundraising.
The group has called those accusations baseless and pledged to fight them legally.
The WSJ report comes as the U.S. continues to enforce strict rules against any trade with Iran.
In May, former President Donald Trump warned that those who purchase Iranian oil or petrochemical products would be exposed to immediate sanctions.
