India's Russian Oil Imports Plunge After US Sanctions: Impact on Global Energy Trade and Alternative Sourcing Strategies

Dec 02, 2025 10:22 pm CST

India's Russian oil imports have declined by nearly one-third following stringent US sanctions against key Kremlin-linked exporters. While November saw average imports of 1.8 million barrels per day, analysts expect December figures to drop to approximately 1 million bpd as major refiners like Reliance Industries temporarily suspend Russian purchases. The sanctions, targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, are reshaping India's crude sourcing strategy, with refiners now exploring alternative suppliers from the Middle East, West Africa, and the Americas while developing more complex trading channels to maintain access to discounted Russian barrels.