India’s crude oil imports reached an all-time high of 4.93 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, driven by a sharp increase in purchases from Russia.
The record volume confirms that Indian refiners have successfully insulated their operations from ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East, maintaining robust intake levels despite heightened risks in traditional supply corridors.
The surge in Russian supplies has solidified Moscow’s position as India’s top crude supplier, a structural shift that accelerated after Western sanctions limited Russian access to European markets.
Indian processors have aggressively diversified their sourcing strategies, reducing reliance on West Asian barrels and locking in discounted Russian cargoes to maintain refining margins.
This development stands in contrast to earlier concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East would disrupt supply flows or force Indian refiners to cut intake.
Instead, the data suggests that supply chain resilience has improved significantly, with refiners able to pivot quickly to alternative sources when regional risks flare up.