This is partially explained by a 21% month-on-month increase in Russian imports.

Topic: energyRegion: asia pacificUpdated: i2 outletsSources: 5Spectrum: Center Only⏱ 4 min read

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Story Summary

SITUATION

India's crude oil imports rose 8% in May, driven by a 21% increase in Russian oil purchases. This surge positions India as the world's second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, with significant volumes arriving at major refineries (per The Hindu).

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KEY FACTS

India's crude oil imports increased by 8% in May 2026 compared to the previous month.
Russian oil purchases by India surged by 21% month-on-month in May 2026.
India has become the world's second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels as of May 2026.
Major refineries in India received significant volumes of Russian crude oil in May 2026.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the U.S.-Iran conflict that began in March 2026, have impacted global oil markets.
The U.S. and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against Iranian military infrastructure in May 2026.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The recent surge in India's crude oil imports, particularly from Russia, can be traced back to a confluence of geopolitical shifts and economic strategies that have evolved over the past few years. The immediate backdrop to this increase is the ongoing realignment of energy partnerships following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This conflict led to widespread sanctions against Russia from Western nations, significantly disrupting traditional energy supply chains and prompting countries to reassess their energy sources. In the wake of these sanctions, India has strategically positioned itself to capitalize on the discounted prices of Russian oil.

Brief

In May, India significantly increased its crude oil imports, marking an 8% rise month-on-month, with a notable 21% surge in purchases from Russia. This uptick in Russian oil imports positions India as the world's second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, reflecting a strategic pivot amid ongoing global energy demands.

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that India imported approximately 5.8 billion euros, or $6.7 billion, worth of Russian hydrocarbons during the month, with crude oil making up about 83% of these imports, valued at 4.8 billion euros.

The increase in Russian oil imports is attributed to refiners ramping up purchases, particularly at major refining hubs like the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, where unloaded volumes rose by 36% from April levels. This trend underscores India's reliance on Russian energy supplies, especially as geopolitical tensions continue to shape global oil markets.

While some analysts view this as a pragmatic approach to securing energy resources, others express concerns about the implications of deepening ties with Russia amid its ongoing conflicts. As the situation evolves, the dynamics of India's energy imports will be closely monitored, particularly in the context of international sanctions and market fluctuations.

Why it matters

India's increased reliance on Russian oil imports underscores a critical shift in its energy strategy amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
As the world's second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, India is positioning itself to mitigate the impact of disruptions in global oil supply caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has led to rising prices and uncertainty in energy markets.
This surge in imports not only strengthens India's energy security but also affects domestic consumers, as the influx of Russian crude could help stabilize fuel prices and ensure a more consistent supply for refineries, ultimately benefiting industries and households reliant on affordable energy.

What to watch next

Watch for India's Ministry of Petroleum to release updated import data within the next week, which may provide further insights into the country's energy strategy and reliance on Russian oil.
Anticipate a statement from the Indian government regarding potential new energy partnerships with Russia before the upcoming June summit, as geopolitical dynamics shift.
Keep an eye on major Indian refineries to announce operational adjustments or expansions in capacity in response to the increased Russian oil imports over the next month.
Expect the International Energy Agency (IEA) to publish a report within the next 30 days analyzing the implications of India's rising Russian oil imports on global energy markets.

Sources

5 of 5 linked articles