India

Russian Oil Exit Could Be Costly and Complicated for India

Published: 18 September 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

Indian refiners say replacing Russian crude would be extremely difficult if a new US sanctions law leads to tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil. Russian crude has accounted for nearly half of India’s oil imports in recent months, and executives warn that alternative supplies are limited amid global disruptions and tight inventories.

Key Takeaways

A sharp reduction in Russian oil imports could increase India’s energy costs and push global crude prices higher. While the US legislation gives President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs, it does not automatically mean the penalties will be enforced immediately.

Sources

Economic Times, Reuters