India's Mideast Oil Imports Jump 32% in September as Russian Supply Ebbs

Key Facts

1India's crude oil imports from the Middle East jumped 32% in September compared to August, reaching 2.8 million barrels per day.

2Middle Eastern oil accounted for 54% of all Indian imports last month as Russian imports declined due to competition from China.

India's crude oil imports from the Middle East jumped 32% in September compared to August, reaching 2.8 million barrels per day. Reuters reported that these volumes hit their highest levels since February, returning trade flows to levels seen before regional conflicts began.

Middle Eastern oil accounted for 54% of all Indian imports last month, while the share of Russian crude dropped to 33.5% due to increased competition from China. According to Oilprice.com, imports of Russian oil fell by 14% to 1.8 million bpd as the price of Russia's Urals grade neared parity with Middle Eastern benchmarks.

Market participants are awaiting India's industrial production data scheduled for release on October 28, 2026, which may provide further insight into energy demand trends amid manufacturing activity shifts.