India’s Russian Oil Imports Remain Strong in September Despite US Pressure

Key Highlights

• India imported 1.73 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil in the first 16 days of September.

• Import levels were higher than in July (1.59 million bpd) and August (1.66 million bpd).

• Crude loadings at Russian ports for India remain stable in September.

• US pressure to cut crude purchases has had little impact on India’s imports.

• Report based on tanker data and industry insiders, as cited by the Indian Express.

Strong Import Volumes in September

India’s Russian oil imports have remained resilient in September, according to data cited by the Indian Express on September 17. The report noted that India imported 1.73 million barrels per day of Russian crude during the first 16 days of the month. This figure reflects an increase compared to the import levels recorded in July and August.

In July, India had imported 1.59 million barrels per day of Russian crude, while in August the figure rose to 1.66 million barrels per day. The September numbers, therefore, mark a further increase, underscoring India’s continued reliance on Russian oil supplies despite external pressure.

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Comparison with Previous Months

The reported numbers highlight a steady upward trend in India’s crude imports from Russia over the past three months. July saw imports of 1.59 million barrels per day, which increased to 1.66 million barrels per day in August. Now, in September’s first half alone, imports have already averaged 1.73 million barrels per day.

This progression demonstrates that India’s sourcing of Russian crude has not only remained consistent but has grown in recent months. It also suggests that, barring any significant shifts in the remaining half of the month, September could potentially record one of the highest levels of Russian oil imports for the year.

Stability in Russian Port Loadings

According to the report, crude loadings at Russian ports destined for India have remained stable through September. This stability indicates that supply chains between Russia and India are functioning smoothly, without disruptions in scheduling or delivery volumes.

The data from tanker tracking and industry insiders reinforces the impression that Russia’s crude oil exports to India continue to operate at steady levels, ensuring a consistent flow of supply.

US Pressure and Its Limited Impact

The report also highlighted that pressure from the United States has had minimal effect on India’s crude sourcing decisions. Despite repeated calls from Washington for New Delhi to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, Indian refiners have continued to import at robust levels.

The Indian Express noted that the actions of US officials, including earlier tariff measures, did not alter India’s approach to securing Russian crude. Instead, Indian refiners have prioritized stable and cost-effective supply lines.

Role of Tanker Data and Industry Insights

The import figures and supply stability observations cited in the report are based on tanker tracking data and information from industry insiders. Such data provides visibility into crude flows, port loadings, and delivery patterns, offering insights into trade dynamics even in the absence of official government disclosures.

By relying on these sources, the Indian Express report underscored how global data providers and shipping industry intelligence confirm the strength of Russian oil flows into India.

Import Trends in the Context of US Actions

While US officials have continued to exert pressure on India to scale back Russian crude imports, the reported figures demonstrate that the pressure has had little practical impact. The Express highlighted that even earlier tariff actions had failed to disrupt India’s purchase patterns.

The resilience of imports at levels above 1.7 million barrels per day in September reflects India’s ongoing strategy of maintaining strong energy ties with Russia. It also underscores that external diplomatic or economic pressure has not curtailed the flow of oil into Indian markets.

Data Breakdown: July to September

The import numbers provided in the report clearly illustrate the growth trajectory of Russian oil supplies to India in recent months:

• July: 1.59 million barrels per day

• August: 1.66 million barrels per day

• September (first 16 days): 1.73 million barrels per day

These figures suggest not only consistency but an incremental rise month on month. With half of September still to go, the final monthly average could surpass these levels further.

Industry Observations

Industry insiders cited in the report emphasized that the stability of Russian port loadings is a key factor behind the continued strong inflows of crude to India. Stable shipping schedules, reliable port operations, and steady loading volumes ensure that the supply chain remains intact.

This operational stability has allowed Indian refiners to maintain their procurement levels without interruption, despite external political factors.

Implications of Current Import Levels

India’s ability to sustain imports of over 1.7 million barrels per day of Russian oil in September highlights two key points. First, it shows that Russian crude remains a vital component of India’s energy mix. Second, it demonstrates that Indian refiners continue to prioritize stable supply sources, even amid geopolitical pressures.

With consistent loadings from Russian ports and month-on-month growth in import volumes, the September figures suggest that India is likely to maintain its reliance on Russian oil in the near term.

Conclusion

India’s Russian oil imports in September have stayed strong, with deliveries averaging 1.73 million barrels per day in the first 16 days of the month. This level exceeds the import figures of 1.59 million barrels per day in July and 1.66 million barrels per day in August, according to the Indian Express report citing global data and industry insiders.

Crude loadings at Russian ports for India have also remained stable in September, ensuring smooth supply lines. Despite continued pressure from the United States urging India to cut crude purchases from Russia, the import levels reflect minimal impact from such diplomatic efforts.

The steady rise in imports from July through September reinforces the significance of Russian crude in India’s energy strategy. With a robust supply chain and consistent port loadings, Indian refiners have maintained strong procurement levels, underscoring the durability of these trade flows.

As September progresses, the final import numbers could further strengthen the trend, solidifying Russia’s role as a major crude supplier to India.

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