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Indian Refiners Brace for Russian Crude Cutoff as Supply Chains Shift

Indian oil refiners are preparing for disruption after the United States allowed its waiver on Russian crude purchases to expire. They are now pursuing a strategic pivot toward alternative suppliers and spot market purchases.

Bharat Petroleum Corp. and other processors have accelerated imports of Russian barrels ahead of the deadline while simultaneously diversifying supply sources to mitigate risk. The shift comes as regional instability in the Middle East complicates long-term supply contracts, pushing refiners toward spot purchases and barrels from the United States and Gulf producers.

Industry officials say demand softness provides a cushion against immediate supply shocks. India has sought an extension of the waiver from US authorities as geopolitical tensions persist. Refiners are broadening supplier portfolios across Kazakhstan and other sources to ensure operational continuity amid tightening global crude availability.