India’s Russian Oil Imports Fall 16.5% in August

India’s imports of Russian Crude Oil declined in August 2026, while supplies from parts of the Middle East increased, according to trade-source data cited by Reuters. Preliminary estimates also indicate that Russian Oil imports could fall further in September as Indian refiners assess their purchasing options amid geopolitical uncertainty and potential US trade measures.

India imported approximately 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude in August, down 16.5% from July. Despite the decline, Russia remained India’s largest oil supplier, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Venezuela.

Overall, India’s crude oil imports fell 8.8% in August to 4.44 million bpd. The shift in supply patterns comes as refiners seek to maintain Energy Security while responding to changing market conditions and risks surrounding purchases of Russian oil.

India’s Russian Oil Imports Decline 16.5% in August

India’s purchases of Russian crude fell to around 2.1 million bpd in August, a 16.5% decline compared with the previous month, trade-source data showed.

Russia nevertheless retained its position as India’s leading crude oil supplier. The country has been an important source of oil for Indian refiners, particularly as they seek supplies from a range of international markets.

The August decline does not, by itself, establish a permanent change in India’s sourcing strategy. Monthly import volumes can fluctuate because of refinery requirements, crude prices, shipping arrangements and broader market conditions.

Middle East Oil Supplies Shift as ADNOC Expands Shipping Operations

Middle Eastern suppliers increased their role in India’s crude oil imports in August, with trade-source data showing a rise in purchases from Iraq and Saudi Arabia, while imports from the UAE declined slightly.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the UAE’s state-run oil company, has strengthened its shipping operations to move crude from fields inside the Strait of Hormuz to storage and export terminals at Fujairah and Sohar.

ADNOC is also buying oil from neighbouring producers, including Iraq, for resale. These arrangements provide another route for crude to reach international markets through terminals outside the Strait of Hormuz.

The shipping and storage network is relevant because the Strait is a key route for global oil transportation. Access to export facilities outside the waterway can offer additional flexibility when regional tensions disrupt normal shipping patterns.

India’s Crude Oil Imports From Key Suppliers

Trade-source data cited by Reuters showed differing monthly movements among India’s major oil suppliers in August.

• Russia: Imports fell 16.5% from July to approximately 2.1 million bpd.
• Iraq: Purchases increased by about 25% to roughly 171,000 bpd.
• United Arab Emirates: Imports declined 5.4% to around 620,000 bpd.
• Saudi Arabia: Supplies rose 1.5% to approximately 328,000 bpd.

Russia remained India’s largest supplier, while the UAE and Venezuela followed. The increase in Iraqi crude purchases was one of the notable changes in the August import mix.

Saudi Arabia’s increase came as it offered crude from ports outside the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report. The figures show how Indian refiners’ sourcing can shift among suppliers as shipping and market conditions change.

Russian Oil Imports Could Fall Further in September

Preliminary data from analytics firm Kpler estimates that India’s Russian oil imports could decline to approximately 1.9 million bpd in September.

This would represent a further reduction from August’s estimated 2.1 million bpd, although the September figure is preliminary and may change as more shipment and trade data become available.

Indian refiners are also looking for crude supplies in spot markets for October and November. Their procurement decisions are being shaped by uncertainty over whether they may need to reduce purchases from Russia to protect India’s broader economic interests.

Potential US Tariffs Add Uncertainty to Russian Oil Purchases

One factor influencing the outlook is the possibility that US President Donald Trump could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil.

The potential measure has added uncertainty for Indian refiners as they plan future purchases. A tariff of that scale, if imposed and applicable, could have wider implications for trade and the cost of sourcing crude from Russia.

However, the reported possibility is not the same as a confirmed tariff decision. The impact on India would depend on the final terms, timing and implementation of any US measures, as well as how refiners and suppliers respond.

India Emphasises Energy Security and Diverse Suppliers

India is negotiating a trade deal with Washington while seeking to protect its domestic energy needs. New Delhi has said it remains “firmly committed” to ensuring energy security for its people and will continue sourcing supplies from diverse sellers based on market dynamics.

India is the world’s third-largest oil importer, making access to reliable crude supplies important for its economy. A diversified sourcing strategy allows refiners to assess oil from different producers and regions rather than depending entirely on a single supplier.

In practice, decisions about crude imports involve several considerations, including price, quality, refinery compatibility, transportation costs and the reliability of supply routes.

India’s Overall Oil Imports Fall in August

India’s total oil imports declined 8.8% in August to approximately 4.44 million bpd, according to the trade-source data cited by Reuters.

The overall reduction occurred alongside a fall in Russian supplies and changing volumes from Middle Eastern producers. The data provides a snapshot of import flows for the month, rather than a definitive indication of future demand.

Refiners’ purchases in the coming months will help show whether the August decline reflects a temporary adjustment or a more sustained shift in sourcing patterns.

What the Changes Mean for India’s Oil Supply Strategy

The latest figures highlight the importance of flexibility in India’s crude procurement. Russian oil remains a major part of the import mix, but Indian refiners are also buying from Middle Eastern suppliers and evaluating spot-market cargoes for future delivery.

Shipping routes are another important part of the picture. ADNOC’s use of storage and export terminals outside the Strait of Hormuz illustrates how logistics can influence the availability and movement of crude during periods of regional uncertainty.

For India, the challenge is to balance energy security, commercial considerations and broader trade relationships. The eventual effect of potential US tariffs will depend on policy decisions that have not been confirmed in the supplied report.

Outlook: Refiners Monitor October and November Supplies

Indian refiners are assessing spot-market options for October and November as they monitor developments involving Russian oil purchases, US trade policy and Middle East shipping routes.

Kpler’s preliminary estimate points to lower Russian imports in September, but actual volumes may differ as additional data becomes available. Future import patterns will depend on refinery demand, crude prices, shipping conditions and the terms of any policy measures affecting trade.

For now, the August data shows a decline in Russian crude imports and a changing mix of suppliers, while India continues to emphasise the need for diverse sources of energy.

Key Takeaways

• India’s Russian crude imports fell 16.5% in August to about 2.1 million barrels per day, though Russia remained its top supplier.
• Preliminary Kpler data estimates that Russian oil imports could decline to around 1.9 million bpd in September.
• Iraqi oil purchases rose about 25% in August, while imports from the UAE fell 5.4% and Saudi supplies increased 1.5%.
• Indian refiners are exploring October and November spot-market supplies amid uncertainty over potential US tariffs and regional shipping risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Russian oil did India import in August 2026?

India imported approximately 2.1 million barrels per day of Russian crude in August, down 16.5% from July, according to trade-source data.

Is Russia still India’s largest oil supplier?

Yes. Russia remained India’s top oil supplier in August, followed by the UAE and Venezuela.

How much could India’s Russian oil imports fall in September?

Preliminary data from Kpler estimates that imports could decline to around 1.9 million barrels per day in September.

Which country saw the biggest increase among the listed suppliers?

Iraqi oil purchases rose by about a quarter in August, reaching approximately 171,000 barrels per day.

Why is ADNOC changing its shipping operations?

ADNOC has strengthened operations to move crude from fields inside the Strait of Hormuz to storage and export terminals at Fujairah and Sohar.

Why are Indian refiners considering spot-market oil?

Refiners are assessing October and November supplies amid uncertainty over Russian oil purchases, potential US tariffs and changing market conditions.

What potential US measure is creating uncertainty?

The report says President Donald Trump could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil. The possibility is not a confirmed tariff decision.

What happened to India’s total oil imports in August?

India’s overall oil imports fell 8.8% in August to approximately 4.44 million barrels per day.