India's Crude Oil Imports from US Surge to Highest Since 2022
India's crude oil imports from the US surged to 540,000 barrels per day (bpd) in October 2025, the highest since 2022, driven by favorable economics and efforts to diversify supply sources. Imports are expected to reach about 575,000 bpd in October, with November projections around 400,000 to 450,000 bpd. Despite this rise, Russia remains India’s largest crude supplier.
In October 2025, India significantly increased its crude oil imports from the United States, reaching 540,000 barrels per day (bpd), marking the highest level since 2022. Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler indicates that October could close at approximately 575,000 bpd, with November projections ranging from 400,000 to 450,000 bpd. This surge primarily reflects economic factors, including a wider spread between global Brent crude prices and US WTI Midland prices, coupled with weaker Chinese demand, making US crude more competitive and attractive for Indian refiners. Additionally, India's strategy to diversify its oil sources amid geopolitical considerations has encouraged refiners to secure more US crude grades such as Midland WTI and Mars. Russia continues to be India's top crude supplier, with nearly one-third of imports, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This increase in US imports can also be seen as part of India’s effort to ease trade tensions with the United States, balancing supply security and diplomatic factors. Analysts highlight that the favorable arbitrage window and strong economic incentives underlie this growing preference for US crude oil, despite Russia retaining a dominant market share in India's energy imports.
