India’s Russian Crude Oil Imports Surge Nearly 90% in March

India’s imports of Russian crude oil jumped nearly 90% in March compared to February, climbing to around 1.8–2 million barrels per day as refiners shifted heavily toward discounted Russian supplies to counter severe disruptions in West Asian energy routes.

Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, cited across multiple reports, shows that overall Indian crude imports declined by nearly 15% in March due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for much of India’s traditional Middle Eastern oil supplies. Russian crude’s share of India’s total imports surged sharply, rising from roughly 20% in February to nearly 47% in March.

The rebound followed a 30-day U.S. sanctions waiver issued in early March, which permitted Indian refiners to take delivery of Russian oil cargoes already loaded and in transit. Purchases from Russia had remained subdued from late 2025 through early 2026 amid earlier sanctions pressures and ongoing trade negotiations, but the waiver unlocked substantial volumes and helped maintain stable domestic fuel supplies.

Some Middle Eastern producers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, managed to reroute limited supplies through alternative pipelines bypassing the Hormuz Strait, yet these volumes were insufficient to offset the broader shortfall. Russian Urals crude, available at competitive prices, offered timely relief to Indian refineries facing feedstock constraints.

Analysts noted that the surge provided critical incremental relief, allowing India to sustain refinery operations despite the regional volatility. Russian supplies are projected to stay robust into April, with possible additional inflows from Iran and Venezuela to further ease pressures.

This development highlights India’s flexible energy procurement strategy: diversifying sources to secure affordable oil, mitigate geopolitical risks, and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for its fast-growing economy amid global supply shocks.