India becomes second-largest buyer of Russian fuel

Fuel purchase continues despite American pressure

New Delhi – Despite global sanctions and geopolitical pressure, Indian oil refining companies have further increased their purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. According to a report by the European think tank and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India imported fuel worth approximately €5.8 billion (₹63,817 crore) from Russia in May. As a result, India has become the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fuel after China. Despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has advised against purchasing Russian oil, India’s total crude oil imports increased by 8% in May compared to the previous month.

🇮🇳 “India’s weapons have never been used to attack Europe, yet Europe sells arms to nations that attack India!”

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar hits back at European double standards regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil.

India prioritises national energy security and will not… pic.twitter.com/4OXjxERhei

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 12, 2026

1. Major refining centres in Gujarat, such as Jamnagar and Vadinar, along with government-owned oil companies, significantly increased their imports of Russian crude oil during this period.

2. Of India’s total imports from Russia in May, approximately 83% consisted of crude oil worth €4.8 billion (₹52,814 crore), while imports of petroleum products and coal amounted to €550 million (₹6,052 crore) and €429 million (₹4,721 crore) respectively.

3. According to CREA, state-owned oil refining companies also increased their purchases after resuming imports earlier this year. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited had halted imports of Russian crude oil at the end of November 2025. These same refineries resumed purchasing Russian oil in March.

4. Since the changes in global energy flows caused by sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by Western countries following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Indian refineries have consistently increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, helping to offset rising energy costs and boost exports of petroleum products.