India’s Russian Oil Imports Decrease in August 2026
As of August 29, 2026, India has seen a decrease in its crude oil imports from Russia, following a record high in July. This shift can be primarily linked to ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil export facilities and increased competition from China seeking Russian crude.
In July, India imported a staggering 2.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil, surpassing the previous record of 2.7 million bpd set in June. This remarkable volume represented over half of India’s total crude oil imports. However, data from Kpler, an energy analytics firm, indicates that imports fell to approximately 2 million bpd in August. Kpler’s modeling manager, Sumit Ritolia, highlighted this trend in a report to Bloomberg, stating that future imports from Russia are anticipated to stabilize at a little above 2 million bpd.
Several factors contributed to this decline in imports. Notably, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have hindered Russia’s capability to export its crude oil fully, while China’s growing demand for cheaper Russian crude has reduced India’s share of available oil.
In response to reduced imports from Russia, Indian refiners are exploring alternative sources for crude oil, particularly from West Africa and the Americas, as they prepare for expected increases in demand over the coming months. The state-run refineries are actively searching the spot market for crude, as long-term deliveries face challenges due to the instability in the Middle East and concerns surrounding the key oil route in the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, these refiners have increasingly sourced oil from West Africa as supply from the Middle East has become increasingly uncertain.
As the situation develops, India’s oil market strategies may continue to evolve, ensuring that the country meets its demands while navigating the complexities of international dynamics in the energy sector.
