India Increases Imports of Russian Far East Crude Amid Disruptions in Middle Eastern Supply
India has increased its imports of Russia's ESPO crude from the Far East during January-July 2026, as supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affected traditional oil routes. The rise is attributed to a temporary pullback by Chinese buyers due to reduced overall crude imports and delays in Middle Eastern supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports cited by Kommersant, India's share of ESPO exports from Russia’s Kozmino port rose to 16% during this period. Analysts suggest that Indian refiners are not displacing Chinese demand but rather filling a gap left by China when it scaled back its crude imports in the spring. Despite increased Russian oil intake earlier in the year, India's purchases slowed in August due to Ukrainian attacks on export infrastructure and renewed competition from China for Russia’s barrels.
Topics: China ESPO crude India Iran war Russia Strait of Hormuz closure