Form 6-K Imperial Petroleum Inc./ For: May 22

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May 2026

Commission File Number 001-41095

IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

331 Kifissias Avenue, Kifissia 14561 Athens, Greece

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ☒   Form  40-F ☐

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT

Attached to this report on Form 6-K as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the press release of Imperial Petroleum Inc. dated May 22, 2026, announcing its unaudited financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

EXHIBIT INDEX

*****

This report on Form 6-K, including exhibit 99.1 hereto (other than the section entitled “CEO Harry Vafias Commented:”), is hereby incorporated by reference into the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (Reg. No. 333-268663), Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-1 on Form F-3 Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-266031) and Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Reg. Nos. 333-275745 and 333-278813), including the prospectuses contained therein.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 22, 2026