India recorded a significant rise in crude oil imports from Russia in May 2026, with refiners increasing their purchases, keeping the country as the second-largest buyer of Russian energy exports.
According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India imported hydrocarbons worth approximately €5.8 billion (around $6.7 billion) from Russia in May. Crude oil accounted for the largest share, making up nearly 83% of total Russian imports.
The report further noted that India’s overall crude oil imports rose by about 8% month-on-month, while imports from Russia increased by nearly 21% during the same period.
Analysts said that major refining hubs such as Jamnagar and Vadinar in Gujarat saw higher inflows of Russian crude oil. Several state-owned refiners, which had earlier reduced or paused purchases, resumed imports, contributing to the surge.
According to CREA, Russia remained India’s second-largest oil supplier in May, while China continued to be the top buyer of Russian energy exports globally.
Experts attribute the increase to the availability of discounted Russian crude and ongoing volatility in global energy markets. India, meanwhile, continues to diversify its crude oil imports across the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas to ensure energy security.
The development comes amid shifting global energy trade patterns following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as India seeks to balance affordability with stable energy supply to meet its growing demand.
