India Defies U.S. Pressure, Continues Russian Oil and LPG Imports Despite U.S. Sanctions Move

Why It Matters

India’s defiance weakens U.S. sanctions efficacy and reshapes global oil‑LPG trade, while safeguarding its own energy security amid geopolitical volatility.

Key Takeaways

• India will keep buying Russian crude and LPG after U.S. waiver ends.
• U.S. will not renew one‑month sanctions relief for Russian oil shipments.
• India sources crude from 40+ countries, LPG from 16, West Asia reliance
• Russian oil makes India the world’s second‑largest buyer after China.
• Officials urge refiners to boost LPG output to avoid household shortages.

Summary

India has signaled it will keep importing Russian crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) even after the U.S. one‑month sanctions waiver expires, according to two sources familiar with the plan.

Washington confirmed the waiver will not be renewed, leaving the U.S. to rely on its own supply deals, including a contract to meet roughly 10% of India’s LPG needs by 2026. Meanwhile, India’s energy basket now spans more than 40 crude‑supply nations and 16 LPG exporters, driving West Asia’s share of imports down from about 60% to 30%.

Russian oil purchases have surged, making India the world’s second‑largest buyer after China. About 340 million Indian households depend on LPG, and the country imports roughly 65% of its annual requirement. Officials have asked domestic refiners to increase output and prioritize household distribution, noting that no major shortages have been recorded despite panic buying.

The strategy underscores India’s pragmatic balancing act: securing fuel security while sidestepping U.S. pressure, and it signals limits to Washington’s sanctions leverage in a market where diversification is reshaping global energy flows.

Original Description

India will continue importing crude oil and LPG from Russia despite the United States ending its sanctions waiver. Officials say India’s energy decisions will remain independent, with supplies routed through non-sanctioned channels to avoid disruption. With disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and high domestic demand, India faces a delicate balancing act between energy security and geopolitical pressure.

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