India will continue to import Russian crude oil irrespective of the status of US sanctions waivers, a senior government official confirmed on Monday. The decision reflects New Delhi’s stance that the country’s energy security and economic interests remain the topmost priority amid rising global fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The remarks came at a crucial time after the Trump administration allowed a key sanctions waiver linked to Russian seaborne oil exports to lapse over the weekend, sparking global concerns. Addressing a media briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that India’s approach to crude oil imports has remained entirely consistent despite these changing geopolitical developments.
She emphasised that India’s procurement choices are strictly guided by affordability, availability, and national interest. Sharma pointed out that India has been purchasing from Russia before, during, and after the waiver period, indicating that the lapse of the American framework will not alter New Delhi’s buying patterns. She assured the public that enough crude has been secured and there is absolutely no shortage in the domestic market.
The Petroleum Ministry’s assertive posture comes as international oil indices hold at elevated thresholds. International benchmark Brent crude was trading up at USD 110.28 per barrel, while US WTI crude climbed to USD 106.32 per barrel. Over the past few years, discounted Russian crude has become a cornerstone of India’s diversified oil import matrix, and the government is poised to sustain this intake as long as it makes commercial sense. (Withinput from ANI &TNIE)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com