Russia remains India’s top crude supplier despite December import dip: Kpler

By Admin

31 Dec, 2025

Russia continued to be India’s largest supplier of crude oil in December, even as imports from the country declined on a month-on-month basis. According to energy analytics firm Kpler, the drop in volumes came amid fresh Western sanctions that tightened restrictions on shipping, insurance, and financing related to Russian oil trade. Despite these challenges, Russia retained the biggest share in India’s crude import basket, highlighting the strong and sustained energy relationship between the two nations.

Impact of sanctions on December imports
Crude oil imports from Russia fell in December as Indian refiners recalibrated their procurement strategies in response to tighter compliance requirements. The sanctions affected logistical aspects of the trade, making transportation and financial arrangements more complex. As a result, several shipments faced delays or were rerouted, contributing to the temporary dip in volumes.

Russia’s dominance in India’s crude basket
Even with the December decline, Russian crude supplies remained significantly higher than those from traditional Middle Eastern exporters such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Since 2022, Indian refiners have increasingly turned to discounted Russian grades, allowing them to manage import costs effectively amid elevated global oil prices. This pricing advantage has played a key role in maintaining Russia’s position as India’s top crude supplier.

Logistical challenges, not strategic shift
Market participants noted that the reduction in imports was driven largely by logistical disruptions rather than any deliberate move away from Russian oil. Compliance with evolving sanctions led to operational hurdles, but there was no indication of a fundamental change in India’s sourcing strategy. Refiners continue to view Russian crude as commercially attractive when logistics permit.

Outlook for Indian crude import patterns
Kpler data indicates that Indian refiners are likely to remain opportunistic buyers of Russian crude as long as price benefits persist and alternative shipping solutions are available. Analysts expect import patterns to stay fluid in the near term, influenced by sanctions enforcement, freight availability, and global demand conditions. While short-term fluctuations are expected, Russia’s role in India’s energy mix is likely to remain significant.