In a move likely aimed at easing trade tensions with the Trump administration, India has significantly increased its crude oil imports from the United States. According to Kpler data, imports in October have surged to 540,000 barrels per day (bpd) as of October 27 — the highest since 2022.
A PTI report indicated that this increase reflects India’s strategy to diversify its energy sources beyond Russia while addressing recent trade challenges with Washington.
Energy analyst Sumit Ritolia of Kpler attributed the surge to favourable market conditions, including widened price differentials between Brent and WTI, reduced Chinese demand, and improved arbitrage opportunities for Indian refiners. He noted that WTI Midland and Mars grades have become attractive for Indian companies.
Estimates suggest October could end at around 575,000 bpd, with November imports projected between 400,000 and 450,000 bpd — a sharp rise from the yearly average of roughly 300,000 bpd.
Government officials said Indian refiners have increased purchases of US crude to demonstrate cooperation with Washington, particularly after the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports. The move also helps counter the tightening sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, which currently supply over half of India’s Russian crude.
Despite the uptick, Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier, contributing roughly one-third of total imports, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Analysts, however, caution that the spike in US imports may be short-lived. Ritolia pointed out that “higher freight costs, longer voyage times, and WTI’s light, naphtha-rich yield” could limit sustained growth.
The recent sanctions by the Trump administration on Rosneft and Lukoil, which together export 3–4 million barrels per day globally, have further complicated India’s oil procurement plans. The US has set November 21 as the deadline for completing transactions with these firms, forcing refiners to reassess payment and compliance processes.
While President Trump has claimed that India agreed to halt Russian oil purchases, New Delhi has not confirmed any such arrangement. Instead, it continues to stress diversification and strategic energy security through balanced sourcing from multiple partners, including the United States.
