India’s Russian Oil Imports Edge Higher in October Despite US Sanctions Pressure

India’s oil imports from Russia inched up in October, even as Washington increased pressure on New Delhi to curb purchases.

As per Reuters report, ship-tracking data from Kpler and OilX revealed a marginal rise in Russian crude inflows, though upcoming US sanctions on major Russian producers are expected to slow shipments in the coming months.

Slight Increase in October Imports

India imported around 1.48 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude in October, up from 1.44 million bpd in September. OilX reported similar figures, pegging October imports at 1.48 million bpd, compared to 1.43 million bpd in September.

These estimates exclude oil originating from Kazakhstan but shipped via Russian ports. Despite the increase, analysts expect imports to decline from November onwards as refiners adjust to new geopolitical developments and sanctions.

Impact of US Sanctions on Russian Oil Trade

The slowdown is anticipated after the US imposed sanctions on two of Russia’s largest oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, in October.

The measures, aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil revenue amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompted several Indian refiners to pause new Russian orders and explore alternative supplies.

Refiners such as Reliance Industries, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL), and HPCL-Mittal Energy have reportedly suspended purchases of Russian oil.

Meanwhile, other companies are considering sourcing crude from non-sanctioned Russian suppliers.

The US has granted companies until 21 November to terminate transactions with the sanctioned entities, tightening the window for refiners to complete existing deals.

Shift Toward Alternative Sources

In response to the evolving restrictions, Indian refiners are already diversifying their crude basket. MRPL recently secured 2 million barrels of Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude from Glencore via a tender to replace Russian volumes expected in December.

Similarly, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has invited initial bids to import 24 million barrels of crude from the Americas for the first quarter of 2026, signalling a gradual pivot toward more stable and diversified supply sources.

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Conclusion

While India’s Russian oil imports saw a modest increase in October, the trend is unlikely to continue. As US sanctions take full effect and global dynamics shift, Indian refiners are recalibrating their sourcing strategies. The next few months will be crucial in determining how effectively India balances energy security with international diplomatic pressures.

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