(MENAFN) India’s crude oil imports from Russia increased in October compared with September, according to preliminary data from analytics firms. Kpler estimated shipments at around 1.48 million barrels per day (bpd) in October, up from 1.44 million bpd in September, while OilX reported similar figures of 1.48 million bpd and 1.43 million bpd for the same months. These numbers exclude oil originating from Kazakhstan that is exported via Russia.

The rise comes amid intensified sanctions on Moscow. In late October, the US imposed restrictions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil and their subsidiaries. Around the same time, the EU enacted its 19th sanctions package targeting over 117 vessels associated with what it describes as a Russian “shadow fleet,” along with additional individuals and entities.

Earlier this year, the US had levied a 25% tariff on India, citing New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, on top of an existing 25% tariff from a previous trade dispute. The US accused India and China of supporting the Ukraine conflict by buying Russian crude.

India is currently assessing the impact of the latest sanctions on Russian oil companies and will respond according to developments, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal. Meanwhile, private refiner Reliance has continued buying millions of barrels from the spot market since the sanctions were imposed.

As of September, Russia accounted for 34% of India’s total crude imports, reflecting a significant increase in shipments since 2022.

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