Chicago – March 05, 2026
Russia is ready to divert oil to India to offset Middle East supply disruptions, with about 9.5 million barrels of Russian crude in vessels near Indian waters and able to arrive within weeks, an industry source with direct knowledge told Reuters.
The source declined to say where the non‑Russian fleet cargoes were originally headed but said they could deliver to India within weeks, giving refiners rapid relief.
India is vulnerable to supply shocks, with crude stocks covering only about 25 days of demand, while refiners hold similarly limited inventories of gasoil, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas.
An Indian government source said New Delhi was scouting for alternative supply to prepare for continuing conflict in the Middle East beyond 10–15 days.
The disruption has immediate market consequences, with about 40% of India’s crude imports moving through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital oil export route, the source said, and the near-closure of the route has compelled the No.3 oil consumer to seek alternatives.
Indian refiners process about 5.6 million barrels per day of crude. The Strait has become inaccessible after vessels were struck by Iranian attacks that followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran-based targets that commenced on Saturday.
The industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russia was ready to help India meet up to 40% of its crude needs.
