India’s Middle East Oil Imports Return to Pre-War Levels in September

Post by : Saif

India increased its crude oil purchases from the Middle East in September 2026, bringing imports back to levels seen before the Iran war disrupted regional energy supplies. Indian refiners bought more oil from Gulf producers as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz improved and supply pressures eased.

The shift also reduced India’s dependence on Russian crude compared with August. Data from ship-tracking services showed that Middle Eastern oil accounted for a larger share of India’s total imports, while Russian shipments declined amid stronger competition for supplies and changing price differences.

Middle East Oil Imports Reach 2.8 Million Barrels Per Day

India imported around 2.8 million barrels of crude oil per day from the Middle East in September, the highest level since February 2026. The region supplied approximately 54% of the country’s total crude oil imports.

The recovery followed a period of disruption linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. When supplies from the Middle East were affected at the beginning of the war, Indian refiners increased purchases from Russia to help meet domestic energy demand.

As Gulf shipments improved, refiners returned to buying more oil from Middle Eastern producers and traders. Increased cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz helped ease some of the earlier supply constraints.

Russian Oil Imports Decline in September

India’s imports of Russian crude fell by around 14% month-on-month to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day in September.

Russia’s share of India’s total oil imports dropped to 33.5%, compared with 46.6% in August. The decline reflected changing market conditions as Middle Eastern supplies became more available and refiners reassessed the cost of buying oil from different sources.

Russia remained India’s largest crude oil supplier in September, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. However, the reduced share showed that Indian refiners were adjusting their purchasing decisions as prices and transportation costs changed.

Why Indian Refiners Are Buying More Middle Eastern Oil

Price differences are an important factor behind India’s changing crude oil purchases. According to an Indian refining industry source, Russian oil has become less attractive as its delivered cost has moved closer to the price of some Middle Eastern grades, particularly Iraqi crude.

The premium on Russian oil over Brent crude narrowed to around $1–$2 per barrel, compared with more than $10 per barrel in recent months, according to the source.

With the price advantage shrinking, Indian refiners have greater reason to consider oil from Gulf producers. Shorter shipping journeys from some Middle Eastern suppliers can also help reduce transportation time and costs.

Some producers have lowered their selling prices to offset higher freight expenses, making their crude more competitive for Indian buyers.

Refiners are expected to focus on suppliers offering the most attractive combination of price, availability and transportation costs. This means Russian purchases could remain relatively subdued in the coming months if the current market conditions continue.

Iraqi Oil Supplies to India Rise Sharply

India’s purchases of Iraqi crude increased significantly in September. Imports from Iraq reached approximately 830,000 barrels per day, compared with around 171,000 barrels per day in August.

The increase highlights the stronger role of Middle Eastern suppliers as oil flows through the region recover. Iraq’s position as a major supplier could strengthen further if its crude remains competitively priced and shipments continue without major disruption.

The United Arab Emirates also remained among India’s leading oil suppliers during the month.

India’s Total Crude Oil Imports Increase

India’s overall crude oil imports rose by around 20% in September compared with August, reaching approximately 5.33 million barrels per day.

As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India relies heavily on overseas supplies to meet the energy needs of its transport, manufacturing and other industries. Changes in international prices, shipping routes and geopolitical conditions can therefore have a major impact on its oil purchasing strategy.

The September figures show how quickly Indian refiners can adjust their supply sources when market conditions change. Greater availability of Middle Eastern crude has allowed them to increase Gulf purchases while reducing the relative share of Russian oil.

Read more: Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Shipping Attacks Raise Supply Fears

What the Shift Means for India’s Oil Supply

India’s return to higher Middle Eastern oil imports reflects improving availability from Gulf producers and changing price calculations among refiners. However, future purchasing patterns will depend on crude prices, freight costs, regional security and the reliability of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Russian oil could remain part of India’s energy mix, but its share may stay below August levels if the price advantage remains limited. For Indian refiners, the priority is likely to be securing reliable supplies at competitive costs.

The September data highlights India’s flexible approach to crude oil sourcing as it balances energy security, market prices and supply risks.

#trending #latest #IndiaOilImports #MiddleEastOil #RussianOil #CrudeOil #StraitOfHormuz #EnergySecurity #OilMarket #IndiaEnergy #IraqOil #GlobalEnergy