Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:25am on 03 Dec 2025,Wednesday India Global
India plans to continue importing Russian crude despite new US sanctions, using "less transparent routes," analysts say. November saw imports surge to 1.9-2.0 million barrels per day a five-month high as refiners front-loaded before the November 21 sanctions deadline. December arrivals are expected to drop to 1.0-1.2 mbpd, potentially stabilizing around 800,000 barrels daily. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia notes Indian leaders "will not want to be seen as bending down to US sanctions," as Russian barrels remain cost-competitive. Moscow has adapted through ship-to-ship transfers near Mumbai and mid-voyage diversions. Indian refiners argue Russian oil itself isn't sanctioned and will pivot to non-sanctioned entities and opaque trading channels while diversifying suppliers. (PC: The Economic Times)
