India’s oil friendship with Russia deepens, crude oil import increases by 21% despite US ban

The tough stance and pressure of US President Donald Trump does not seem to have any effect on India. Despite America’s efforts and strictness, the trade relations between India and Russia are becoming stronger day by day. Irrespective of American sanctions, India has imported record quantity of crude oil from Russia. According to new data, India remained the second largest buyer of Russian fuel worldwide even in May 2026.

India bought fuel worth $6.7 billion in May
According to the latest report of the European Research Institute ‘Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air’, the total import of crude oil and other fuels from Russia has increased due to increased purchases by Indian refineries. In the month of May, this figure has reached an estimated 5.8 billion euros (ie about 6.7 billion dollars).
 

Only crude oil accounts for 83% of total imports.
According to the CREA report, the share of crude oil in the total imports from Russia to India in May was the highest i.e. about 83 percent, which was worth 4.8 billion euros. Apart from this, India has also imported other oil products worth 550 million euros and coal worth 429 million euros from Russia.

Huge increase of 21% in Russian oil imports
It has been reported in the report that India’s total crude oil imports have registered an increase of 8% in May as compared to the month of April. The biggest reason for this rise is the huge 21% increase in imports from Russia. A tremendous increase in the supply of Russian crude oil was seen in the country’s major refining centers located in Gujarat. 36% more Russian oil arrived at the Vadinar Refinery in May and 14% more at the Jamnagar Refining Complex in May compared to April.