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India to Slash Russian Oil Imports by Half Amid US Pressure

Under US pressure, India's refiners plan to cut Russian oil imports by half. New EU sanctions on Russian diesel imports in 2026 are also influencing India's strategy.

In this image there are few army men and civilians hearing a speech delivered by the president, in...
In this image there are few army men and civilians hearing a speech delivered by the president, in the background of the image there are bushes, trees, stairs and there are few people seated on chairs.

India to Slash Russian Oil Imports by Half Amid US Pressure

Indian refiners have been stocking up on Russian oil, placing orders for November loading and even some for December arrival. However, a significant shift is on the horizon due to ongoing trade talks and international pressure.

In recent productive trade discussions, the United States and India have explored ways to adjust their oil import dynamics. As a result, Indian refiners are preparing to slash their Russian oil imports by half. This reduction, however, may not be immediately apparent in December or January import figures.

India's decision to cut Russian oil imports by 50% is driven by increasing pressure from the United States. Some Indian refineries are already preparing for this reduction, anticipating new EU sanctions set to take effect in January 2026. These sanctions will prohibit imports of refined diesel produced from Russian crude oil, further influencing India's import strategy.

Indian refiners, who had initially placed orders for Russian oil, are now set to reduce their imports by 50% in the coming months. This shift, while not immediately visible in import numbers, reflects the evolving trade landscape and the impact of international pressure.

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