# India Russian Crude Imports Decline 29 Percent as Competition From China Rises

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/india-russian-crude-imports-decline-29-percent-as-competition-from-china-rises-f8de8a
- Published: 2026-10-14T11:21:09Z
- Category: energy; sentiment: neutral; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NSE:MRPL](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NSE-MRPL), [NSE:ONGC](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NSE-ONGC)
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India's imports of Russian crude oil declined roughly 29% in September from their July peak, averaging about 1.82 million barrels per day. Despite falling from June's 2.6 million barrels per day and July's 2.57 million barrels per day, India maintained its position as the largest global buyer of Russian crude. China ranked second, taking approximately 1.49 million barrels per day during September.

The drop in Indian purchases reflects tighter market availability and increased competition from Chinese refiners, who stepped up buying following reduced access to Iranian oil. To offset lower Russian volumes, Indian refiners expanded supply diversification. Venezuelan crude exports to India accelerated, reaching roughly 250,000 to 300,000 barrels per day in recent months. Reliance Industries processed the majority of these heavy Venezuelan barrels at its Jamnagar complex, while state-owned processors like Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (NSE:MRPL) and Indian Oil Corporation took smaller, opportunistic volumes.

Looking ahead, Russian crude shipments to India are expected to remain steady in October at around 1.8 million to 1.9 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, arrivals of Venezuelan crude are projected near 350,000 barrels per day in October, though long voyage times may push some deliveries into November. Domestic refiners and energy producers, including Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd. (NSE:ONGC), continue to operate within a shifting global trade environment as India balances multiple supply origins.

## Key points

- India's Russian crude oil imports fell 29% from July levels to 1.82 million barrels per day in September.
- Increased buying by Chinese refiners tightened the overall availability of Russian oil cargoes.
- India broadened its crude mix with Venezuelan oil, which reached roughly 257,000 barrels per day in September exports.
- Reliance Industries processed most Venezuelan barrels at its Jamnagar refinery due to its advanced configuration.
- Indian imports of Russian crude are expected to stay flat between 1.8 million and 1.9 million barrels per day in October.

## Questions and answers

### Why did India's Russian crude imports fall in September?

Imports fell mainly due to tighter supply and strong competition from Chinese refiners, who increased purchases of Russian crude after facing reduced access to Iranian oil.

### How much crude oil did India import from Russia in September?

India imported about 1.82 million barrels per day of Russian crude in September, down about 29% from its July peak of 2.57 million barrels per day.

### Which Indian refineries process Venezuelan crude oil?

Reliance Industries' Jamnagar complex is the primary buyer because of its advanced refining setup. State-owned refiners, including Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. and Indian Oil Corporation, have also processed smaller volumes.