India’s Russian Oil Imports Set To Fall Below 1 Million Barrels Per Day

India’s crude oil import strategy is undergoing a significant shift as Russian supplies are expected to decline sharply. According to government officials, imports from Russia are likely to fall below 1 million barrels per day in the coming months, compared to peaks of 1.84 million barrels per day in November 2025.

Key Highlights

• India has asked refiners to provide weekly disclosures of Russian and US oil imports.
• Russian crude imports fell to around 1.2 million barrels per day in December, the lowest since December 2022.
• The decline follows US sanctions on major Russian suppliers such as Rosneft and Lukoil.
• India had emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after the Ukraine war in 2022.
• The government’s move aims to strengthen transparency and support ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
• US authorities have raised concerns that Russian oil revenues are funding Moscow’s war effort.
• India’s refiners are now turning to alternative suppliers and intermediaries to balance energy needs.

Conclusion
India’s decision to monitor weekly oil import data reflects its cautious approach to balancing energy security with geopolitical pressures. The expected decline in Russian crude imports underscores the country’s effort to diversify sources while navigating complex global trade dynamics.

Sources: Economic Times, Hindu Business Line, Financial Express, Business Today