Russia is already working around the US sanctions to ensure that its oil exports continue to India, with industry analysts predicting that the country's dependence on cheap Russian crude will persist despite the latest set of restrictions. The sanctions, which were imposed by the US in November, targeted companies and refineries that purchased oil from Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's two largest oil exporters and major suppliers to India.
However, experts say that these sanctions have not had a significant impact on India's reliance on Russian oil, with four out of seven of its biggest refineries still primarily running on Russian crude. The discounts on Russian oil have dropped even further since the sanctions, making it an attractive option for Indian refiners and presenting significant savings.
Russia has already begun to reorganise its supply chain to allow countries like India to circumvent the US sanctions. New Russian oil exporters have emerged, acting as shadow middlemen between the Russian oil giants and refineries in countries such as India. These new players are expected to dominate exports in the near future, with analysts predicting that most of the barrels will soon be supplied by companies other than Rosneft and Lukoil.
The Indian government has not issued a direct mandate to state or private refineries on Russian oil, but is encouraging them to act in their best interests. The low price of Russian oil is hard for countries like India to resist, with imports accounting for 90% of its energy needs. For companies willing to take the risk, buying Russian oil represents significant savings.
Analysts predict that imports by India's public sector will soon return to previous levels, with some expecting that Reliance, India's largest private oil company, may be forced back into importing Russian crude. However, other analysts say that the US sanctions enforcement is unlikely to have a significant impact on Russia's efforts to circumvent them.
The latest developments come as tensions between the US and India over the issue of Russian oil imports continue. The Trump administration has threatened to impose 500% tariffs and withdraw from several India-led global initiatives if India does not halt its reliance on cheap Russian oil. However, experts say that these threats are unlikely to be effective in persuading India to change its energy policies.
However, experts say that these sanctions have not had a significant impact on India's reliance on Russian oil, with four out of seven of its biggest refineries still primarily running on Russian crude. The discounts on Russian oil have dropped even further since the sanctions, making it an attractive option for Indian refiners and presenting significant savings.
Russia has already begun to reorganise its supply chain to allow countries like India to circumvent the US sanctions. New Russian oil exporters have emerged, acting as shadow middlemen between the Russian oil giants and refineries in countries such as India. These new players are expected to dominate exports in the near future, with analysts predicting that most of the barrels will soon be supplied by companies other than Rosneft and Lukoil.
The Indian government has not issued a direct mandate to state or private refineries on Russian oil, but is encouraging them to act in their best interests. The low price of Russian oil is hard for countries like India to resist, with imports accounting for 90% of its energy needs. For companies willing to take the risk, buying Russian oil represents significant savings.
Analysts predict that imports by India's public sector will soon return to previous levels, with some expecting that Reliance, India's largest private oil company, may be forced back into importing Russian crude. However, other analysts say that the US sanctions enforcement is unlikely to have a significant impact on Russia's efforts to circumvent them.
The latest developments come as tensions between the US and India over the issue of Russian oil imports continue. The Trump administration has threatened to impose 500% tariffs and withdraw from several India-led global initiatives if India does not halt its reliance on cheap Russian oil. However, experts say that these threats are unlikely to be effective in persuading India to change its energy policies.
I mean, can you blame India for going with the cheaper option? 
90% of their energy needs come from imports and they're not about to turn down a deal just because the US is being all drama queen about it 
Russia's got this whole "circumventing sanctions" thing down pat 
and I'm sure they'll find a way to keep those oil exports flowing. The fact that the US is threatening tariffs over it is just laughable 
like, what are they gonna do, impose economic sanctions on India? 
Not likely 
. India's already got a handle on importing Russian oil from multiple sources now. It's not like they can just switch off Russian crude overnight 
️. And with prices going up anyway, it's just gonna make sense for them to stick with what works. I'm predicting we'll see more of these new "shadow middlemen" popping up in the future 
. India's got 90% of its energy needs from imports, so they're not exactly gonna switch gears over a few tariffs 
...
. India's refiners can't resist those savings on Russian crude, it's like too good to pass up 
. It's gonna be tough for the US to stop India from buying that cheap oil, especially with 90% of their energy needs coming from imports 
️. The Trump admin is trying to strong-arm them into changing their policy, but it's like they're speaking a different language 
.
? Russia's already setting up these new middlemen companies to get their oil to India and it's only making it cheaper for them 
. Will India cave in to US pressure or will Russia find ways to work around those sanctions? One thing's for sure: this is gonna be a wild ride 
. The only ones who might get caught in the crossfire are the smaller players, but let's be real, the big boys will figure it out 
. And India's just sitting there, enjoying the cheap oil deals 
. The fact that most of India's refineries are still running on Russian crude is crazy - 90% of their energy needs? That's a big chunk 
I don't get why the US is being so mean about Russia's oil exports to India. I know the sanctions are meant to punish Russia for some things they've done, but it seems like a big hassle and costs India more money. India needs that cheap oil or they'll be paying through the nose 
. I'm not sure if India's gonna cave in or what, but it's def a tough spot for 'em, what with their energy needs bein' 90% imports and all 
. Guess we'll see how it all plays out... 
. Those new players that Russia's been creating? Game changers 
. I'm not surprised they're gonna dominate exports soon 
please, like that's ever worked on India 
. It's like they're not even trying to keep the community clean anymore... 
and russia's just gonna keep on finding new ways to circumvent them 
meanwhile the us is all like "oh no our sanctions aren't working" 
. It's all about economics, folks – and Russia's got the low oil prices locked down tight 
!
I mean, can you blame India for going all-in on Russian oil? It's like buying a discounted iPhone – you gotta grab it while you can! 
. But seriously, have you seen the prices they're getting now? It's like stealing! I mean, who wouldn't want to save a few bucks on oil imports? 
. it's gonna be a long game for the US to try and stop india from buying russian oil 
.