India Keeps Buying Russian Oil Even After US Sanctions Waiver Ends

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI -India will continue purchasing Russian crude oil despite the expiration of a temporary United States sanctions waiver, with officials citing pricing and supply considerations.

The temporary U.S. waiver allowing the sale and delivery of Russian seaborne crude expired on May 16. The U.S. Treasury Department first introduced the measure in March and extended it in April following disruptions in global energy markets linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, confirmed the government’s position during a media briefing Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Sharma said India had continued purchasing Russian crude before, during, and after the waiver period.

“It is basically the commercial sense which should be there for us to purchase,” Sharma said, according to PTI.

Indian refiners have continued importing Russian oil through sellers, vessels, insurance providers, and payment channels that comply with sanctions requirements.

Data from energy intelligence firm Kpler, cited by PTI, showed India’s imports of Russian crude are expected to average nearly 1.9 million barrels per day in May, close to record levels.

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