India's Russian Crude Imports Hit Record High in July Amid Hormuz Tensions: Report

Last Updated:August 03, 2026, 07:43 IST

India's Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports remained tilted towards the United States, which accounted for over 9 lakh tonnes of the total 1.2 million tonnes imported in July

India imported a record 2.8 million barrels per day (mbd) of crude oil from Russia in July, with supplies from Moscow making up over half of the country’s total purchases. However, New Delhi’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports remained tilted towards the United States, which accounted for over 9 lakh tonnes of the total 1.2 million tonnes imported in July, the Times of India reported.

The development came as unrest continued in West Asia, after the US and Iran engaged in a fresh escalation over the key Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint that accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global oil and gas trade.

According to the report, July imports from Russia were the highest since India began purchasing discounted Russian oil after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The issue later became a source of friction between India and the US, as President Donald Trump stepped up pressure on New Delhi to curb its imports from Moscow amid the ongoing conflict.

India Imported 55.5% Crude From Russia In June

Back in June this year, India sourced 55.5 per cent of its crude imports from Russia, with supplies at 2.8 million barrels per day.

According to the Times of India, Nikhil Dubey, lead analyst at Kpler, suggested that amid mounting geopolitical tensions –– first with the blockade of the Hormuz and now tumult around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait –– Russia proved be one of India’s most reliable trade partners.

“Another reason for the strong Russian imports is the continued availability of Russian cargo, as drone strikes on Russia’s refining infrastructure have reduced domestic refining activity, leaving more crude available for export," he said.

This comes even as discounts on Russian Urals crude oil delivered to India narrowed against the dated Brent benchmark ​because of supply concerns, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

India’s Stance On Its Energy Security 

India has maintained a hardcore stance on its energy security that caters to national interests, while also balancing affordable and uninterrupted access for its 1.4 billion citizens.

New Delhi also believes in diversifying its crude oil, LNG, and LPG imports through partnerships with the United States, Brazil, Guyana, and African nations to reduce reliance on single maritime chokepoints.

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