Russia continues to ship oil to India at high volumes even as demand in other regions shifts. In February, New Delhi imported roughly 1.85 million barrels per day from Russia, according to analytics firm Kpler cited by Bloomberg. The report highlights that prior to sanctions by the European Union and the United States, India barely bought Russian crude, making the February tally notable in the context of evolving energy ties.
According to Kpler’s chief analyst for energy markets, the February figure for Russian imports could have approached two million barrels per day. That assessment underscores the resilience of the bilateral energy corridor between Moscow and New Delhi, even as Western pressure on Russia’s exports remains a global talking point. The data also points to a broader pattern: Indian purchases have grown as sanctions tightened and alternate suppliers faced greater risk, prompting refinements in pricing, logistics, and supplier diversification.
The discussion around India as a key market for Russian crude extends beyond the raw volumes. Analysts note that once China fully adjusts to post pandemic policy shifts, it could absorb a substantial share of Russia’s oil exports. Yet Russia appears intent on maintaining the Indian market because it offers strong margins and a stable demand base. This dynamic creates a balancing act for Russian exporters who seek to optimize pricing and supply conditions across multiple buyers while mindful of sanctions risk and market signals from major consumers.
官方 media outlets and regional officials have emphasized that pricing for Russian oil to India is driven by market mechanisms rather than subsidized or loss-leading strategies. This stance reflects a broader principle cited by Moscow: energy transactions are guided by supply and demand, with a clear emphasis on protecting commercial viability and returns for Russia’s energy sector. The emphasis on market-based pricing also signals an intent to preserve buyer relationships in strategic markets while navigating the ongoing geopolitical environment.
As the global energy landscape evolves, the interaction between Russian exports and Indian imports remains a focal point for market watchers. The February data, shaped by sanctions, currency considerations, and shipment logistics, provides insight into how major buyers adapt to shifting supply routes. The narrative suggests that while competition for buyers intensifies, Russia seeks to retain channels that offer predictable demand and favorable pricing vectors, supporting its broader energy strategy while sustaining relations with India as a significant consumer in Asia.