India has been increasing its purchases of Russian oil at discounted prices while also processing crude into fuels that are then supplied to European Union nations and the United States. This development has been noted by Bloomberg and signals a broader pattern in global energy markets as Western policymakers seek to curb revenue from Russian energy without risking disruptions to oil supply.
Analysts describe India’s approach as aligned with a Western objective: press Russia for lower energy revenues while maintaining reliable supply chains for oil and fuel products. In this view, New Delhi is not cast in a negative light for engaging in exchanges with Russia, given the strategic importance of keeping energy flows steady for its own market and for partners relying on stable supplies.
Data from Kpler indicate India exported roughly 89,000 barrels per day of gasoline and diesel to the United States in January, the highest level seen in four years. Concurrently, shipments of low sulfur diesel to European Union markets reached about 172,000 barrels per day in the same period, underscoring India’s role as a key supplier in a diversified energy network.
Earlier observations from Vortexa show that January 2023 brought record volumes of Russian crude into Indian refineries, with daily intake reaching about 1.27 million barrels, a gain of approximately 6 percent over December. These movements illustrate how Indian refining capacity integrates with global energy trade, absorbing more Russian crude while downstream markets absorb refined products around the world.