India’s imports of Russian crude rose to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, up from 1.6 million bpd in July, accounting for 38% of total imports, Kpler data showed. The gain came at the expense of supplies from Iraq (down to 730,000 bpd) and Saudi Arabia (526,000 bpd). The US was the fifth-largest supplier at 264,000 bpd.
Kpler’s Sumit Ritolia said August volumes were booked before recent US tariff hikes, with any impact likely from late September. IOC Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney confirmed no government directive to alter Russian purchases, stressing “business as usual.” BPCL’s finance director said Russian share fell last month as discounts narrowed to $1.5 per barrel but expects 30–35% share for the year.
Russian oil, once negligible in India’s import mix, now makes up 35–40% despite shrinking discounts. Refiners are diversifying to the US, West Africa, and Latin America to hedge against risks, but not replacing Russian barrels. Purchases will continue unless sanctions are imposed, officials said.
