September 17, 2026: India emerged as the dominant overseas supplier of oil products to Russia in August, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the country's record imports as disruptions at Russian refineries forced Moscow to turn to international markets to meet its fuel requirements. The sharp increase in imports highlights the extent to which operational setbacks in Russia's domestic refining network are reshaping regional fuel trade flows, with India stepping in as a significant source of refined petroleum products.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia imported around 172,000 tonnes of oil products in August, the highest monthly volume on record and more than seven times its previous record. India supplied approximately 120,000 tonnes, all of it gasoline, valued at around EUR 78 million, making it the largest contributor to Russia's emergency overseas fuel purchases during the month.

Vadinar Refinery Supplies Gasoline To Russia

The fuel came from the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, operated by Nayara Energy. Russian oil giant Rosneft owns a 49.13 per cent stake in the company.

The development has created an unusual trade flow. India has been buying large volumes of Russian crude, processing it at domestic refineries and exporting some of the refined fuel back to Russia.

CREA said the rise in Russian fuel imports came after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted several Russian refineries. The attacks reduced domestic refining capacity and contributed to tighter fuel supplies.

Gasoline made up 74 per cent of Russia’s oil-product imports in August. That compares with an average share of just 6 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

India Remains Key Buyer Of Russian Crude
India continues to be one of Russia’s biggest buyers of oil. The country imported EUR 4.8 billion worth of Russian hydrocarbons in August, including around EUR 4.1 billion of crude oil.

However, Indian imports of Russian crude fell 24 per cent from July after reaching record levels in the previous two months.

The latest data highlights the changing nature of the India-Russia energy relationship. India remains a major buyer of Russian crude, while its refineries have also become an important source of fuel for Russia at a time when its own refining network is facing disruptions.

(Source: Business World)