Iraq tops the list… India turns to the Middle East for oil imports
Iraq tops the list… India turns to the Middle East for oil imports
2025-08-06 03:59
Shafaq News – New Delhi
India is seeking to open new outlets to import oil to replace Russian crude, which is under intense pressure from the United States. Middle Eastern countries, led by Iraq, are emerging as potential candidates to fill any gap left by Russian supplies.
The Indian Statistics Department reported that the country’s imports of Russian oil in 2024 amounted to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, making it the world’s largest importer of Russian crude, followed by China with 1.24 million barrels, and Turkey with 0.3 million barrels.
However, Indian refiners have begun to slow down their contracting with Moscow, awaiting a clearer position from the United States on the secondary sanctions threatened by President Donald Trump against entities doing business with Russia.
In this context, analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights stated that “any potential decline in Russian supplies could refocus the spotlight on Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as alternative sources, especially since Middle Eastern crude oils are well-suited to the needs of Indian refineries.”
shafaq.com
