New Delhi. Amidst the ongoing tussle over energy in the world, India has once again attracted everyone's attention with its decision. As a strategy to get cheap and sufficient fuel from Russia, Indian companies made huge purchases in October 2026. As a result, India's monthly fuel imports from Russia reached an all-time high. This purchase has also brought India's independent energy strategy into discussion amid the sanctions policy of America and European countries.
According to data from the Center for Energy and Clean Air Research (CREA), India ordered fuel worth about 640 crore euros from Russia in October. This is the highest monthly figure recorded since January 2022. Of this, about 580 crore euros were spent on crude oil alone. The remaining amount went to purchase coal and other petroleum products.
Indian companies increased purchases of Russian oil
During October, the demand for Russian crude oil in the country's major oil refineries appeared to be increasing. Reliance's Jamnagar unit increased its purchases by 22 per cent, while the increase at Indian Oil's Paradip refinery was 28 per cent. Nayara Energy's Vadinar plant also bought 12 percent more Russian oil than last month. It is clear from these figures that Indian refineries are increasing supplies from Russia as per their needs.
India's big jump among countries buying Russian oil
China was the biggest buyer in October's international data. It bought fuel worth about 1,070 crore euros from Russia. India stood at second position with imports of about 640 crore euros. The European Union was also present at third place in this list. That is, despite sanctions and diplomatic pressure, India's role in Russian energy business remains very important.
Russia also got huge benefit from this step of India
The impact of demand from other countries including India was also visible on Russia's earnings. Russia earned an average of 352 million euros per day by selling crude oil via sea route in October. This income was 23 percent more than in September. On the other hand, the price of Russian Urals oil also increased and its average price reached $ 101.7 per barrel.
Actually, both availability and price of energy are important for India. In such a situation, imports from Russia remain an important part of the country's oil supply system. The record purchases of October are a great example of this strategy.