New Delhi, Dec 30, 2025 — India’s crude oil imports rose in December, driven by sustained demand from domestic refineries and a continued flow of supplies from Russia, according to recent government and industry data.
Crude oil imports have increased to the highest level since March, supported by strong refining activity and continued purchases of discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners are set to receive Russian oil volumes that could exceed 1 million barrels per day for the month, defying expectations of a steep decline amid global sanctions on Moscow’s oil producers. India Today
While some Western nations have imposed restrictions on Russian energy transactions, Indian companies—including state-run refiners and major private players—have adjusted procurement strategies to keep supplies steady, often sourcing crude from non-sanctioned Russian entities and leveraging pricing advantages. BLiTZ
In a related development, Reliance Industries Ltd received a temporary U.S. exemption allowing it to continue importing crude from Russia’s Rosneft under specific terms, easing compliance pressures while maintaining supply continuity. Reuters
India’s position as the world’s third-largest oil importer means that changes in crude import patterns have broad implications for the global energy market, especially with shifting geopolitical pressures and sanctions influencing sourcing decisions. Reuters
Analysts note that, despite international sanctions, bilateral energy trade ties with Moscow remain resilient, underlining the strategic importance of Russian crude in India’s energy mix as refiners balance economic and regulatory constraints.