# India’s Russian oil imports hit five-month low in September 2026-09-28T14:11:28+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets India's imports of Russian crude fell to about 1.74 million barrels per day (bpd) in September, the lowest level since April, according to ship tracking data from Kpler. Total crude imports rose to roughly 5.3 million bpd, up 600,000 bpd from August and 700,000 bpd from a year earlier, driven by strong refinery runs and domestic fuel demand. The drop in Russian volumes was offset by higher Middle Eastern supplies, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia increasing shipments. The Hindu Business Line reports that refiners bought costlier West Asian cargoes as Russian supply narrowed, partly because China continued importing significant Russian ESPO grade crude. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia said the decline does not signal a wholesale shift away from Russian oil, but refiners could reduce purchases if the US announces punitive measures targeting India. African and Venezuelan barrels have also contributed to diversifying India's crude slate. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both sources report identical Kpler data, but The Hindu Business Line's second article frames the shift as Indian refiners being forced to buy "costly West Asian barrels" due to narrowing Russian supply, emphasising cost pressure. The Economic Times and the first Hindu Business Line article highlight refiners' flexibility and the role of US pressure. All agree Russian oil remains important and that India is not permanently pivoting away. The key number to watch is whether Russian volumes recover in October as refinery maintenance ends. The tribunal hears the appeal on 12 September. ## Coverage - thehindubusinessline.com (neutral report) Focuses on costlier West Asian barrels but still neutral tone - economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Straight news agency-style reporting, identical framing to source 1 - thehindubusinessline.com (neutral report) Focuses on costlier West Asian barrels but still neutral tone Tags: crude oil, India, Kpler, Middle East, Russia Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/indias-russian-oil-imports-hit-five-month-low-in-september/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/indias-russian-oil-imports-hit-five-month-low-in-september/#story-in-brief