Russia to remain India’s No 1 crude supplier despite Trump's pressure

India's crude oil imports from Russia saw a marginal decline in September, but continued to account for over one-third of the country's total oil purchases, despite US pressure to curb the trade over concerns that it supports Moscow's war effort in Ukraine.

- S VENKAT NARAYAN

India's crude imports in September were around 4.7 million barrels per day, ‘up 2,20,000 bpd month-on-month and flat year-on-year. Russian crude maintained its position as the largest single supplier, contributing about 1.6 million bpd - a 34 per cent share.

However, this was roughly 1,60,000 bpd below the average Russian volumes imported during the first eight months of 2025, preliminary data by global trade analytics firm Kpler showed.

"Despite the dip, Russian barrels remain among the most economical feedstock options for Indian refiners, given their high GPW (gross product worth) margins and discounts relative to alternatives," said Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst (Refining & Modelling) at Kpler.

Iraq was the second biggest crude oil supplier to India at around 8,81,115 bpd, followed by Saudi Arabia at 6,03,471 bpd and the UAE at 5,94,152 bpd.