India’s Imports of Russian Crude Hit New High in July

India’s crude oil imports from Russia hit a record 2.8 million barrels per day in July, lifting Russia’s share of India’s total crude imports to 55.5%. Overall Indian crude imports rose slightly to just over 5 million bpd, while refiners also increased purchases from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait as shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb remained elevated. The report suggests Russian crude will continue to play a central role in India’s supply mix despite the expiry of a U.S. waiver allowing certain Russian oil purchases, underscoring ongoing rerouting and trade diversification across global oil flows.