India’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia are surging to 1-1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February 2026, the highest since November 2019 and matching Russia’s volumes amid US pressure to curb Moscow-sourced barrels.
Post-2022 Ukraine invasion, Russian imports peaked at 2 million bpd with discounts, but recent US trade deal demands have prompted diversification, narrowing the Russia-Saudi gap. Kpler forecasts Russian flows dipping to 800,000-1 million bpd in March, with Nayara Energy’s refinery maintenance adding pressure.
The uptick signals more VLCC and Aframax tanker calls at west coast ports like Vadinar and Mumbai, enhancing Saudi’s role as a top supplier alongside Iraq and UAE. It supports India’s 5.2 million bpd demand while stabilizing energy costs despite OPEC+ dynamics.
No formal US commitments from India, but conglomerates like Reliance are pivoting, bolstering bilateral ties amid global realignments. This could sustain port throughputs despite Russian insurance extensions.
