Indian refiners: India will continue purchasing Russian crude oil regardless of whether the United States extends sanctions waivers, with decisions driven strictly by commercial viability and energy security needs, a senior Petroleum Ministry official confirmed on Monday. Speaking at a media briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized that India’s sourcing strategy remains independent of shifting geopolitical mandates. “We have been purchasing from Russia earlier… before waiver also, during waiver also, and now also,” Sharma stated, assuring that the expiration of the temporary US waiver on May 16 would not disrupt India’s domestic supply or alter its established procurement channels.
Commercial Viability Dictates Sourcing Strategy
The official remarks underscore India’s pragmatic approach to managing its energy basket. Sharma highlighted that the country’s crude sourcing strategy is guided primarily by pricing, commercial sense, and supply considerations rather than external political pressures. Thanks to robust long-term contracts secured with various global suppliers, the ministry assured that there is absolutely no shortage of crude availability for domestic refiners.
🇺🇸US waivers will not change 🇮🇳India’s Russian oil imports.
India has been buying 🇷🇺Russian crude before, during, and after the waiver period.
– Petroleum Ministry official Sujata Sharma.pic.twitter.com/Xk3eK0RrhM
— Kashif Raza (@simplykashif) May 18, 2026
The temporary US sanctions waiver, which recently expired, was originally introduced by the US Treasury Department to stabilize volatile global energy markets following disruptions from conflicts in the Middle East. However, New Delhi maintains that the presence or absence of this waiver will not impact its import volumes.
A Cornerstone of India’s Energy Basket
Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions on Moscow, Russian crude has transformed into a cornerstone of India’s energy imports. Stripped of traditional European markets, Russia offered steep discounts that Indian refiners quickly capitalized on.
While Western nations have avoided directly sanctioning Russian oil to prevent a global supply shock, Washington has progressively tightened the screws. Recent US enforcement actions have targeted:
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Major Russian energy entities like Rosneft and Lukoil.
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Specific shipping vessels violating price caps.
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Financial channels and maritime insurance networks facilitating Russian exports.
High Volumes and Stricter Compliance Ahead
Despite these hurdles, Indian refiners have successfully navigated the restrictions. By utilizing non-sanctioned third-party sellers, alternative vessels, and compliant payment routes, trade has continued uninterrupted.
Data from energy intelligence firm Kpler indicates that Indian imports of Russian oil are projected to average nearly 1.9 million barrels per day in May 2026, hovering close to record highs. Market analysts suggest that while India is highly unlikely to scale back its Russian oil intake anytime soon, domestic refiners will face tighter documentation requirements and more stringent compliance checks moving forward to avoid secondary Western sanctions.
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