New Delhi: India’s dependence on Russian crude continued to deepen in July despite fresh geopolitical disruptions stretching from Russia to the Middle East, with Indian refiners continuing to favour Russian barrels over alternative supplies.
According to data shared by trade intelligence firm Kpler with ThePrint, India imported a record 2.8 million barrels per day (mbpd) of Russian crude in July, surpassing the previous high of around 2.7 mbpd recorded in June.Russian crude accounted for nearly 55 percent of India’s total crude imports of around 5 mbpd in July 2026, further cementing Moscow’s position as India’s largest oil supplier.
The record imports come even as repeated Ukrainian drone attacks continue to target Russian refineries and export infrastructure, while renewed Houthi threats in the Red Sea have created fresh uncertainty over crude shipments from Saudi Arabia.According to energy analysts, the twin disruptions have made Russian crude even more attractive for Indian refiners.“Indian refiners still prefer slightly cheaper Russian barrels to more expensive alternatives, particularly at a time when disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are tightening the market for medium-sour crude,” Natalia Katona, Abu Dhabi-based commodity analyst at Oilprice.com, told ThePrint.Graphic: Manya Aggarwal | ThePrint
