India Seeks Weekly Data on Russian and U.S. Oil Imports as Trade Talks with Washington Continue

New Delhi: India has directed domestic oil refiners to submit weekly disclosures of crude oil imports from Russia and the United States, as the government works to strengthen its position in ongoing trade negotiations with Washington, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The request has been issued through the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), the oil ministry’s data and analysis arm, which said the information is required by the Prime Minister’s Office. Officials emphasized the need for “timely and accurate data” to support diplomatic engagement with the U.S.

India emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after the 2022 outbreak of the Ukraine war. While the move helped cushion India’s energy costs, it has drawn criticism from Western nations that have imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, arguing that oil revenues contribute to funding Moscow’s war effort.

The issue has also become a sensitive point in India–U.S. trade relations. The United States, seeking to reduce its trade deficit with India, doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last year, citing New Delhi’s heavy purchases of Russian oil as a key concern. Although both countries are now pursuing a potential trade agreement, negotiations have faced recurring challenges.

According to industry and government sources, Indian officials expect Russian crude imports to fall below 1 million barrels per day in the coming months as New Delhi attempts to balance its energy security needs with strategic trade and diplomatic considerations.

The latest data collection initiative underscores India’s efforts to demonstrate transparency to Washington while carefully managing its long-standing reliance on discounted Russian oil supplies.