India slips to third as major refiners tap the brakes on Russian crude
In December 2025, India's dependence on Russian crude oil decreased, making it the third-largest buyer globally. Major Indian refiners, including Reliance Industries, reduced their acquisitions, while Turkiye advanced to become the second-largest importer. This shift reflects a change in global crude purchasing patterns as key players diversify their energy sources.
In December 2025, India experienced a significant reduction in its acquisition of Russian fossil fuels, leading to its reclassification as the third-largest global purchaser of Russian crude oil. This marks a notable change from its previous standing as a more prominent buyer. The decision to decrease imports was primarily driven by major domestic industry players, specifically Reliance Industries and various state-run refineries, which substantially curtailed their crude oil acquisitions from Russia. Concurrently, this market adjustment allowed Turkiye to ascend in the global rankings, securing the second position among importers of Russian crude, effectively surpassing India.This development highlights a dynamic evolution in international energy trade relationships and procurement strategies. While the article doesn't detail the exact reasons, such shifts can be influenced by geopolitical considerations, the availability of more competitively priced crude from alternative sources, or a strategic effort by Indian companies to diversify their energy portfolios. The move by major Indian refiners to 'tap the brakes' on Russian crude suggests a conscious re-evaluation of their supply chain. This change not only alters India's position but also reshapes the overall demand structure for Russian oil globally, potentially influencing future pricing and export strategies for Russia, and indicating a fluid environment in international energy markets.
