# India may reduce Russian oil imports amid US sanctions fears

> India could cut Russian crude purchases as US tariffs threaten its oil supply chain
- Title: India may reduce Russian oil imports amid US sanctions fears
- Summary: India could cut Russian crude purchases as US tariffs threaten its oil supply chain India might lower Russian oil imports to 20-30% of total to avoid US…
- Keywords: india, russian oil, us sanctions, crude imports, nfl, oil prices, refiners, tariffs, seahawks, seattle, energy trade, may
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/indias-oil-buyers-may-cut-russia-cargoes-as-us-risk-rises/articleshow/134402148.cms
- Author: Bloomberg
- Published: 2026-09-22T04:23:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, russian oil, us sanctions, crude imports, nfl, oil prices, refiners, tariffs, seahawks, seattle, energy trade
## US sanctions threat
India's refiners may reduce Russian crude purchases after new US sanctions law allows tariffs on major Russian oil buyers
## Current import levels
India bought over half its oil from Russia recently to counter high prices and Middle East disruptions
## New Delhi's plan
India could limit Russian crude imports to 20-30% of total to stop being top buyer of Moscow's seaborne oil
## Tariff risks
US law allows tariffs up to 100% on Russian oil buyers, including India, after Trump signed the bill last week
## Market challenges
Replacing Russia's oil is difficult due to high prices and volume, with Urals costing $133/barrel versus $137+ for Middle Eastern grades
## India's needs
India needs more oil as new refineries and expansions push purchases to record 5.4 million barrels daily
## Expert view
India should continue buying Russian oil as long as it's competitive, ignoring US tariff threats

> India should continue to buy crude from Russia as long as it is competitive
## Key takeaway

India might lower Russian oil imports to 20-30% of total to avoid US tariffs