Mumbai, India – May 2025 — The Adani Group is under scrutiny following a Wall Street Journal report alleging potential violations of US sanctions related to the import of Iranian-origin liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). According to the report, the US Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether the Adani Group received shipments of Iranian LPG through India’s Mundra Port — a claim the conglomerate has firmly denied.

Adani Responds to US Sanctions Probe Allegations

In a detailed statement released by the Adani Group, the company has categorically denied any deliberate involvement in sanctions evasion or illicit LPG trade. The Indian multinational emphasized that it is unaware of any ongoing US investigation targeting its LPG supply chain or port operations.

Key points from Adani’s official response include:

• No Knowledge of US Probe: Adani stated it has not received any communication regarding a sanctions investigation from US authorities.

• Strict Compliance Measures: The company affirmed that all LPG trading operations are conducted in compliance with both domestic and international regulations, including those set by the United States.

• Use of Third-Party Logistics: Adani clarified that it relies on independent logistics providers to manage LPG transportation and does not own or operate shipping vessels involved in these imports.

• No Handling of Iranian Cargo: The company emphasized that its ports, including Mundra, have a strict policy of not handling cargo originating from Iran.

Background: US DOJ Investigating Possible Sanctions Violations

The allegations stem from a broader investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) into potential sanctions violations involving LPG shipments. According to the WSJ report, tankers suspected of carrying Iranian-origin LPG displayed behaviors consistent with sanctions evasion — including the manipulation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking data.

One such vessel, formerly named SMS Bros and now called Neel, reportedly exhibited signs of concealment tactics commonly used by ships violating US trade sanctions.

WSJ Claims: Forged Documents, Data Manipulation, and Sanctions Evasion

The Wall Street Journal further alleged that Adani Enterprises may have unknowingly or indirectly received Iranian-origin LPG via manipulated shipping routes and forged documentation. Investigators reportedly identified multiple vessels that concealed their identities or movements while traveling between the Persian Gulf and Mundra Port in Gujarat.

These allegations suggest possible breaches of US sanctions imposed on Iran, which prohibit companies and entities from engaging in certain types of trade with Iranian entities or goods, including petrochemical products like LPG.

Adani Calls Allegations “Baseless and Mischievous”

In a strong rebuttal, the Adani Group labeled the WSJ allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” arguing that LPG forms only a minor fraction — 1.46% — of its overall revenue, which totaled $11.7 billion in FY2025. The conglomerate reaffirmed its commitment to due diligence, stating that it follows rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to ensure compliance with international trade laws and sanctions regulations.

Wider Legal Challenges for Adani Group: Bribery Allegations Persist

The Iranian LPG probe comes on the heels of a separate legal battle involving Adani Group executives. Earlier this year, US authorities reportedly indicted Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, in a bribery and fraud case, alleging that they offered illegal payments to secure power supply contracts and misled US investors during a high-stakes fundraising campaign.

Adani Group has denied all allegations tied to this case and stated that it is exploring “all possible legal recourse” to defend itself against what it deems unsubstantiated claims.

What This Means for Adani Group and Indian Trade

These developments add pressure to the Adani Group’s efforts to maintain transparency amid growing global scrutiny. While the company insists on its innocence and full regulatory compliance, the ongoing investigations could affect investor sentiment and global partnerships.

The case also raises broader questions about India’s exposure to secondary sanctions from the US and the risks faced by Indian companies operating in sensitive international supply chains.

Conclusion: Adani Group Emphasizes Compliance, Denies Any Wrongdoing

In the wake of mounting legal and regulatory challenges, the Adani Group has reiterated its strong commitment to lawful operations and transparency. Denying all claims of sanctions evasion, the company has emphasized that it does not handle any Iranian cargo, is not involved in vessel operations, and maintains compliance with US and global laws.

As investigations continue, all eyes will be on the outcomes of US legal proceedings and their potential impact on one of India’s largest conglomerates.

SEO Keywords:

Adani Group US investigation, Adani Iranian LPG imports, Adani sanctions evasion, Mundra Port Iranian cargo, US DOJ Adani probe, Adani LPG trade compliance, Wall Street Journal Adani allegations, Adani third-party shipping, Adani bribery case, Indian conglomerate US sanctions