India’s imports of Russian crude oil declined in August 2026, with shipments expected to fall further in September, according to shipping and trade data.
The reduction comes as Indian refiners adjust their crude procurement amid changes in global oil markets, freight costs, sanctions-related risks and the availability of supplies from alternative sources.
Russia has remained a major crude supplier to India since refiners increased purchases of discounted Russian oil following the disruption in global energy trade caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, monthly volumes can fluctuate depending on refinery requirements, pricing and shipping conditions.
The August decline indicates that Russian crude flows to India have moderated from earlier levels. September shipments are also expected to remain lower, based on available vessel-tracking and trade data.
Indian refiners continue to balance Russian supplies with crude from producers in the Middle East, the United States and other regions. Purchasing decisions are influenced by crude quality, delivered costs, freight rates and refinery configurations.
Changes in Russian oil flows are closely watched because India is among the world’s largest crude-oil importers. Any sustained shift in sourcing could affect the country’s overall import mix and the trading patterns of major crude suppliers.
Despite the recent decline, Russian crude remains an important component of India’s oil supply network. Future import volumes will depend on price competitiveness, shipping availability, refinery demand and evolving international trade restrictions.